P A McCormick1, S Walker, R Benepal. 1. Liver Unit, St Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin, Elm Park, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland, amccormick@oceanfree.net.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypersplenism is related to the age of onset of liver disease. METHODS: Hypersplenism was assessed in 84 consecutive cirrhotic patients attending a university hospital liver clinic. RESULTS: Hypersplenism was present in 78% of patients and severe in 39%. Severe hypersplenism was more common in patients with cystic fibrosis liver disease (88%, P < 0.0001) and autoimmune hepatitis (60%, P = 0.0006) compared to alcoholic cirrhosis (12%). There was a significant correlation between patient age and platelet count r = 0.525, P < 0.0001 in the group as a whole and for the sub-group of patients with autoimmune hepatitis r = 0.54, P = 0.047. There was a negative correlation between age and spleen size r = -0.611, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Younger patients had lower platelet counts, larger spleens and a higher incidence of hypersplenism suggesting that hypersplenism is significantly related to the age of onset of chronic liver disease.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypersplenism is related to the age of onset of liver disease. METHODS:Hypersplenism was assessed in 84 consecutive cirrhotic patients attending a university hospital liver clinic. RESULTS:Hypersplenism was present in 78% of patients and severe in 39%. Severe hypersplenism was more common in patients with cystic fibrosis liver disease (88%, P < 0.0001) and autoimmune hepatitis (60%, P = 0.0006) compared to alcoholic cirrhosis (12%). There was a significant correlation between patient age and platelet count r = 0.525, P < 0.0001 in the group as a whole and for the sub-group of patients with autoimmune hepatitis r = 0.54, P = 0.047. There was a negative correlation between age and spleen size r = -0.611, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSION: Younger patients had lower platelet counts, larger spleens and a higher incidence of hypersplenism suggesting that hypersplenism is significantly related to the age of onset of chronic liver disease.