Tse Y, Uhanova J, Narula N, Sirpal S, Marotta P, Chandok N

Language: English
References: 3
Page: 135-136
PDF size: 97.03 Kb.

Text Extraction

Dear Editor:
Variceal hemorrhage (VH), particularly from esophageal varices, is associated with high fatality and recurrence rates in cirrhotics despite standard medical and endoscopic intervention. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the decision to perform screening endoscopy varies. Retrospective studies suggest that platelet count negatively correlates with endoscopic features of portal hypertension, but assessment of the strength of this association requires further observational data as it is based on a relatively small number of patients with PSC.

REFERENCES

1. Carbonell N, Pauwels A, Serfaty L, Fourdan O, Levy VG, Poupon R. Improved survival after variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis over the past two decades. Hepatology 2004; 40: 652-9.

2. Bressler B, Pinto R, El-Ashry D, Heathcote EJ. Which patients with primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis should undergo endoscopic screening for oesophageal varices detection? Gut 2005; 54: 407-10. Epub 2005/02/16.

3. Zein CO, Lindor KD, Angulo P. Prevalence and predictors of esophageal varices in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatology 2004; 39: 204-10. Epub 2004/01/31.