Red cell distribution width as a predictor of outcome in hospitalized cirrhotic patients.

Background: A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is linked to red cell distribution width (RCDW), which produces pro-inflammatory signals that act directly on hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. This stimulation may cause alterations in the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs), as assessed by RCDW, which have been linked to increased morbidity and death in a number of systemic disorders.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate RCDW as a predictor of outcome in hospitalized cirrhotic patients.

Serum ammonia as a non-invasive marker for early prediction of esophageal varices.

Introduction: There is a growing need for identification of non-endoscopic, non-invasive methods that can accurately predict esophageal varices (EV). Previous studies found an inconclusive correlation between blood ammonia level and the presence and size of EV.

Aim: We aimed at assessing the value of serum ammonia as a non-invasive method for early prediction of EV.