title: Evaluation of the effect of partial splenic embolization on platelet values for liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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 x 10(3)/microL) 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 (> or = 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 > or = 30% embolization area groups was 50% and 100%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Partial splenic embolization is an effective method to improve platelet values and GPT values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and the > or = 30% embolization area is meaningful for platelet values improvement. The relationship between the complication rate and embolization area needs further studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 110, Taipei, Taiwan, China.
authors.forename: Chi-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ting-Kai
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Hung-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wei-Hsing
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Li-Kuo
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Jean-Dean
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Chun-Chao
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Ya-Yen
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D013157:Splenic Artery; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase