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Clinically significant portal hypertension (defined by a hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥10 mm Hg) in cirrhotic patients is associated with development of ascites and varices — and might be an independent predictor of survival. Unfortunately, current techniques to measure HVPG are invasive and expensive. The aim of the present study was to construct mathematical models — using data from noninvasive tests — that would predict the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension and of esophageal varices.
Investigators first evaluated the predictive value of noninvasive clinical exams, laboratory tests, and Doppler ultrasounds among 60 cirrhotic patients, 77% of whom had clinically significant portal hypertension and 47% of whom…