In addition, as expected, disease progression from group 1 to 4 resulted in gradual decreases in platelet counts and serum albumin level and a steady increase in serum bilirubin level, PT, and the frequency of significant varices and portosystemic collateral vessels, splenomegaly, and Child–Pugh grade C (all P < .001), indicating that the liver function and hypersplenism sequentially deteriorate with the progression of chronic liver disease (Table 2). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is Splenomegaly.