Unlocking the benefits of the Baveno VI guidance when screening for varices: an audit of clinical practice across London
Abstract
Background The Baveno VI consensus identifies patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) who can safely avoid screening endoscopy. However, concordance in clinical practice with this guidance is unknown. We audited clinical practice and the provision of transient elastography (TE) aiming to identify potential cost savings and benefits.
Methods Retrospective data collection from 12 sites across London over 6 months by reviewing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) reports, platelet count and TE results as well as information on site-specific provision of TE.
Results Three-hundred and fifty-one screening procedures were identified; 177 (50.43%) had a TE test performed within the preceding 12 months; 142 (80.23%) patients with a recent TE test did not meet criteria for screening OGD. TE provision varied widely between sites.
Conclusion Improving concordance with the Baveno criteria through improved provision of TE would have benefits for patients, healthcare systems and the environment and would help to address the challenges of moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- oesophageal and gastric varices
- endoscopy
- gastrointestinal
- liver cirrhosis
- elasticity imaging techniques
- © Royal College of Physicians 2022. All rights reserved.
Article Tools
Citation Manager Formats
Jump to section
Related Articles
Cited By...
- No citing articles found.