A comparison of spleen size measured by ultrasound in a random population sample and a matched sample of patients at a university hospital, and the determination of normal values and influencing factors

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to compare spleen sizes in a hospital and a population sample using ultrasound and define normal values and factors influencing spleen size.

Methods Both samples’ spleen sizes (n = 1520) were measured using ultrasound under the same conditions. Blood counts and other laboratory parameters were determined under the same conditions in both samples.

Results In the hospital sample (n = 760), the mean spleen size was 114.7 mm, and in the population sample (n = 760), it was 99.1 mm. In both, spleen size in men was significantly higher than in women (p < 0.0001) and influenced by body height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) (p < 0.0001). In the hospital sample, there was a correlation with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0160), AST (p = 0.0394), AP (p = 0.0482), and ferritin (p = 0.0008) and lower values for HDL (p = 0.0091) and thrombocytes (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, higher values for AP (p = 0.0059) and lower values for hemoglobin (p = 0.0014) and thrombocytes (p = 0.0001) were found. Stratified for sex (men, women), spleen size increased with higher values for ALT (p = 0.0116, p = 0.0113), AST (p = 0.0014, p = 0.0113), and AP (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0012), and with lower values of hemoglobin (p = 0.0057, p = 0.0016), thrombocytes (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0003), and albumin (p = 0.0029, p = 0.0432). In women, there was a discordant correlation with red blood cells (p = 0.0005) and a concordant correlation with GGT (p = 0.0241), and in men discordant correlations with cholesterol (p = 0.0010) and HDL (p = 0.0404).

Conclusions The already proven impact of anthropometric data on spleen size was confirmed. The role of laboratory values should be further analyzed.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel Vergleich der Milzgröße in einem Krankenhaus und einer Bevölkerungsstichprobe unter Verwendung von Ultraschall und Definition von Normalwerten und Faktoren, die die Milzgröße beeinflussen.

Methoden Die Milzgröße beider Stichproben (n = 1520) wurden unter denselben Bedingungen mittels Ultraschall gemessen. Blutbild und andere Laborparameter wurden in beiden Proben unter den gleichen Bedingungen bestimmt.

Ergebnisse In der Krankenhaus-Stichprobe (n = 760) lag die mittlere Milzgröße bei 114,7 mm, in der Bevölkerungsstichprobe (n = 760) bei 99,1 mm. In beiden Gruppen war die Milzgröße bei Männern signifikant höher als bei Frauen (p < 0,0001) und wurde durch Körpergröße, Gewicht und BMI (Body-Mass-Index) beeinflusst (p < 0,0001). In der Krankenhaus-Stichprobe gab es eine Korrelation mit höheren Werten für ALT (p = 0,0160), AST (p = 0,0394), AP (p = 0,0482) und Ferritin (p = 0,0008) und niedrigeren Werten für HDL (p = 0,0091) und Thrombozyten (p < 0,0001). In der multivariaten Analyse wurden höhere Werte für AP (p = 0,0059) und niedrigere Werte für Hämoglobin (p = 0,0014) und Thrombozyten (p = 0,0001) gefunden. Stratifiziert nach Geschlecht (Männer, Frauen) stieg die Milzgröße mit höheren Werten für ALT (p = 0,0116, p = 0,0113), AST (p = 0,0014, p = 0,0113) und AP (p = 0,0001, P = 0,0012), und mit niedrigeren Werten für Hämoglobin (p = 0,0057, p = 0,0016), Thrombozyten (p < 0,0001, p = 0,0003) und Albumin (p = 0,0029, p = 0,0432). Bei Frauen bestand eine diskordante Korrelation mit den roten Blutkörperchen (p = 0,0005) und eine konkordante Korrelation mit GGT (p = 0,0241), und bei Männern eine diskordante Korrelation mit Cholesterin (p = 0,0010) und HDL (p = 0,0404).

Schlussfolgerung Die bereits nachgewiesene Wirkung anthropometrischer Daten auf die Milzgröße wurde bestätigt. Die Rolle der Laborwerte sollte weiter analysiert werden.

Key words

spleen - ultrasound - size - reference values - risk factors

Schlüsselwörter

Milz - Ultraschall - Größe - Normwerte - Risikofaktoren

Publication History

Received: 09 December 2020

Accepted: 24 February 2021

Article published online:
22 March 2021

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