OBJECTIVES: To verify the value of indirect serum markers in the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with persistently normal or near normal alanine aminotransferases levels (NALT). DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty HCV RNA positive, untreated patients with NALT (30 non-drinkers) underwent two liver biopsies, with a median interval of 78.5 months. The AST/ALT ratio, age-platelet index, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns fibrosis index and Bonacini's discriminant score were simultaneously determined. RESULTS: In 19 patients, worsening of fibrosis was observed at the second biopsy in comparison to the index biopsy. Among non-drinkers, an APRI >0.4 had a 100% sensitivity in identifying subjects with significant liver fibrosis (Ishak staging score >2) and an APRI < or =0.4 had a 100% negative predictive value in excluding significant liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: APRI performs better, in comparison to all other markers, in correctly classifying patients with NALT with no progression to significant liver fibrosis.
OBJECTIVES: To verify the value of indirect serum markers in the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with persistently normal or near normal alanine aminotransferases levels (NALT). DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty HCV RNA positive, untreated patients with NALT (30 non-drinkers) underwent two liver biopsies, with a median interval of 78.5 months. The AST/ALT ratio, age-platelet index, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns fibrosis index and Bonacini's discriminant score were simultaneously determined. RESULTS: In 19 patients, worsening of fibrosis was observed at the second biopsy in comparison to the index biopsy. Among non-drinkers, an APRI >0.4 had a 100% sensitivity in identifying subjects with significant liver fibrosis (Ishak staging score >2) and an APRI < or =0.4 had a 100% negative predictive value in excluding significant liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: APRI performs better, in comparison to all other markers, in correctly classifying patients with NALT with no progression to significant liver fibrosis.
Authors: Huseyin Kayadibi; Mustafa Gültepe; Bulent Yasar; Ali T Ince; Omer Ozcan; Osman M Ipcioglu; Oya O Kurdas; Burhanettin Bolat; Yusuf Z Benek; Hakan Guveli; Sacide Atalay; Selvinaz Ozkara; Ozcan Keskin Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2008-11-07 Impact factor: 3.199
Authors: Tawhida Y Abdel-Ghaffar; Behairy E Behairy; Azza Abd El-Shaheed; Karam Mahdy; Mohamed El-Batanony; Mohsen H Hussein; Mostafa M Sira Journal: Gastroenterology Res Date: 2010-11-20
Authors: Carlo Smirne; Cristina Rigamonti; Carla De Benedittis; Pier Paolo Sainaghi; Mattia Bellan; Michela Emma Burlone; Luigi Mario Castello; Gian Carlo Avanzi Journal: Dis Markers Date: 2019-09-08 Impact factor: 3.434