Association of the Modified ALBI Grade With Endoscopic Findings of Gastroesophageal Varices

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to assess the association of the modified albumin-bilirubin (mALBI) grade with the endoscopic findings of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). Patients and Methods: A total of 141 patients with histologically proven cirrhosis who underwent a liver biopsy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled. The relationships between the mALBI grade and endoscopic findings were evaluated. Results: The incidence of GEVs and high-risk GEVs differed among mALBI grades. Patients with mALBI grades of 2b-3 had higher rates of GEVs and high-risk GEVs in comparison to those with mALBI grades of 1-2a (p<0.0001). In addition, patients with mALBI grade 2b or grade 3, but not those with mALBI grade 2a, had significantly higher rates of complicated GEVs and high-risk GEVs in comparison to those with mALBI grade 1. Conclusion: The mALBI grade may be useful in predicting the presence of GEVs and for stratifying their bleeding risk.