Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect of partial splenic embolization (PSE) on platelet values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and to determine the effective embolization area for platelet values improvement. Methods: Blood parameters and liver function indicators were measured on 10 liver cirrhosis patients (6 in Child-Pugh grade A and 4 in grade B) with thrombocytopenia (platelet values <80 × 103/ μL) before embolization. Computed tomography scan was also needed in advance to acquire the splenic baseline. After 2 to 3 d, angiography and splenic embolization were performed. A second computed tomography scan was made to confirm the embolization area after 2 to 3 wk of embolization. The blood parameters of patients were also examined biweekly during the 1 year follow-up period. Results: According to the computed tomography images after partial splenic embolization, we divided all patients into two groups: low (<30%), and high (≥ 30%) embolization area groups. The platelet values were increased by 3 times compared to baseline levels after 2 wk of embolization in high embolization area group. In addition, there were significant differences in platelet values between low and high embolization area groups. GPT values decreased significantly in all patients after 2 wk of embolization. The improvement in platelet and GPT values still persisted until 1 year after PSE. In addition, 3 of 4 (75%) Child-Pugh grade B patients progressed to grade A after 2 mo of PSE. The complication rate in <30% and ≥ 30% embolization area groups was 50% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Partial splenic embolization is an effective method to improve platelet values and GPT values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and the ≥ 30% embolization area is meaningful for platelet values improvement. The relationship between the complication rate and embolization area needs further studies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 619-622 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | World Journal of Gastroenterology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 28 2007 |
Keywords
- Liver cirrhosi
- Partial splenic embolization
- Thrombocytopenia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology