Main characteristics of the 145 cirrhotic patients included in the first part of the study, divided according to the presence of oesophageal varices
| Variable | NOV | OV | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOV, no oesophageal varices; OV, oesophageal varices. | |||
| Data are mean (range). | |||
| Statistical analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. | |||
| Sex (M/F) | 41/15 | 62/27 | NS |
| Age (y) | 63 (33–86) | 60 (30–84) | NS |
| Total bilirubin (mg/dl) | 2.5 (0.4–22.5) | 3.1 (0.2–23.1) | 0.0007 |
| Prothrombin activity (%) | 75 (27–100) | 64 (28–100) | 0.0006 |
| Child-Pugh score | 6.3 (5–12) | 8.5 (5–14) | <0.0001 |
| Platelet count (n/mm3) | 177 196 (60 000–315 000) | 79 820 (13 000–121 000) | <0.0001 |
| Spleen diameter (mm) | 110 (90–190) | 155 (90–210) | <0.0001 |
| Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio | 1638 (545–3500) | 533 (77–909) | <0.0001 |