Specifically, cohort B showed a higher prevalence of esophageal varices (42.0% vs. 27.6%; p < 0.001), reduced rates of CTP class A (86.0% vs. 91.1%; p = 0.012), and significantly lower serum albumin levels (4.2 vs. 4.3 g/dL; p < 0.001). Here, ALB is linked to esophageal varices.