Predictors of Bleeding of Esophageal Varices Among Patients with Portal Hypertension-Sudan

Esophageal varices develop in more than one third in patients with liver cirrhosis with a high rate of mortality due to bleeding, We aimed to study predictors of bleeding in esophageal varices in Sudan. This retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the National Gastrointestinal bleeding Center in Sudan, during the period March-September 2007. The record of 236 patients with bleeding esophageal varices was reviewed for: Demographic data, the presence of jaundice, fever, ascites, splenomegaly, and splenectomy full blood count, liver function tests, ultrasonographic report, endoscopic finding. Ethical clearance was obtained from both ethical committees of Sudan Medical Specialization Board, and the National Gastrointestinal bleeding Center. Out of 236 patients their age ranged from 18-79 years with a mean of 52.1±14.3, male dominance was apparent (80%). The majority were from Gazera region (62.3%). Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and raised prothrombin time were found to predict esophageal variceal bleeding P-value <0.05, while fever and splenectomy were not P-value > 0.05. Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and raised prothrombin time were predictors of bleeding in esophageal varices.