Presence of spur cells as a highly predictive factor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis

Background and Aim The presence of spur‐cell anemia (SCA) is due to lipid disturbances of the erythrocyte membrane and may develop in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. The accurate predicting value of SC for survival has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate SCA as a prognostic indicator in patients with cirrhosis. Methods We prospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory parameters, and survival in patients with cirrhosis, with or without SCA, during the period 2008–2011. Patients who had at admission renal failure, other causes of hemolytic anemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, sepsis, and/or active bleeding, were excluded. One hundred sixteen patients with cirrhosis were included. The presence of SCA (SC rate higher or equal to 5% [≥ 5%]) was diagnosed in 36 (31%) patients. Results Patients with SCA compared to those without had more advanced liver disease (higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD], P