A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract

Background: Anemia is one of the most common hematological abnormalities observed in patients with liver cirrhosis. It develops due to multiple mechanisms, including chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, hypersplenism, bone marrow suppression, and altered iron metabolism. The presence of anemia is associated with increased disease severity, poor quality of life, and adverse clinical outcomes. However, data regarding its prevalence among patients with liver cirrhosis remain limited in many tertiary care settings.

Aim:To determine the prevalence of anemia among patients with liver cirrhosis attending a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, during 2024–2025. A total of 100 adult patients with liver cirrhosis diagnosed by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and biochemical investigations were included. Demographic characteristics, hematological parameters, peripheral blood smear findings, iron profile, Child–Pugh classification, and etiological factors were recorded. Anemia was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to determine prevalence and assess associations between anemia severity and clinical variables.

Results:Among the 100 patients, 77% had anemia, while 23% had normal hemoglobin levels. Moderate anemia (40%) was the most frequent category, followed by severe (22%) and mild anemia (15%). The mean hemoglobin level was 9.99 ± 2.99 g/dL. Macrocytic morphology was the predominant peripheral smear finding (31%). Child–Pugh Class B constituted the largest group (47%). Significant associations were observed between anemia severity and splenomegaly (p = 0.002), etiology of liver disease (p = 0.038), and Child–Pugh class (p < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels declined significantly with increasing severity of liver disease.

Conclusion:Anemia is highly prevalent among patients with liver cirrhosis and is strongly associated with disease severity. Routine hematological evaluation and early identification of anemia are essential for optimizing patient management and improving clinical outcomes.