Serum serotonin level as a predictor of presence of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract

Background Portal hypertension is one of the most important complications of liver cirrhosis, leading to the development of esophageal varices (OV). Variceal bleeding carries high morbidity and mortality. The frequency of varices in patients with cirrhosis is unfixed, extended from 24 to 80%; therefore, endoscopic examination of all cirrhotic patients would lead to unnecessary additional burdens to endoscopic units. Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum serotonin level as a noninvasive predictor of presence of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods The study was performed on 60 cirrhotic patients recruited from the endoscopy unit of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department in Tanta University Hospitals. In addition, 20 physically fit participants served as a control group within the period between April 2020 and April 2021. Results Serum serotonin is significantly increased in cirrhotic patients with varices. Serum serotonin correlated well with severity of liver insult in patients with cirrhosis assessed by Child, Model for End Stage Liver Disease, fibrosis-4, and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index scores as well as OV grade. Conclusion Serum serotonin had a good power of prediction for development of OV.