Combined platelet count with sCD163 and genetic variants optimizes esophageal varices prediction in cirrhotic

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Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices
04:09

Endoscopic Injection Sclerotherapy Assisted by Cyanoacrylate and Clips for Gastroesophageal Varices

Published on: June 13, 2025

Ying-Ying Yang1, Ming-Chih Hou, Ming-Wei Lin

  • 1Division of General Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. yangyy@vghtpe.gov.tw

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|August 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

New markers, including soluble CD136 (sCD163) and genetic variants, can improve the prediction of esophageal varices (EVs) and bleeding risk in cirrhotic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Endoscopic screening for esophageal varices (EVs) is costly and invasive.
  • Noninvasive markers are needed for predicting EVs in cirrhotic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore soluble CD136 (sCD136) and genetic variants as additional markers for predicting EVs.
  • To assess the combined predictive value of these markers with clinical factors.

Main Methods:

  • 951 cirrhotic patients were analyzed for clinical and genetic characteristics.
  • Association between EVs and patient factors was evaluated.
  • Multivariate analysis identified predictors of EVs.

Main Results:

  • Higher serum sCD163 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels were found in patients with EVs.
  • EVs were predicted by low platelet count, high sCD163, splenomegaly, HO-1 AS, and VEGF GT risk haplotypes.
  • Combined markers significantly improved EVs predictability and indicated higher bleeding risk.

Conclusions:

  • High sCD163 levels and genetic risk variants are valuable additions to low platelet count for assessing EVs.
  • These markers can optimize the prediction of EVs and bleeding risk in cirrhotic patients.
Abstract

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