Use of fibroscan in assessment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment of the stage of liver fibrosis plays a prominent role in the decision process of treatment in chronic viral hepatitis.

Objective: To determine the stage of fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection using fibroscan.

Method: This is a cross sectional descriptive study involving patients with CHB with a valid transient elastography (TE) measurement. Liver function test and platelet count was determined. APRI and FIB-4 were calculated and Spermans rank coefficient was applied for correlation of transient elastography (TE) with either serum biomarkers.

Results: 190 patients were enrolled, mean age 36.3years, 64.2% males and 89.9% were asymptomatic. TE correlated significantly with APRI and FIB-4 (r = 0.58; P < 0.001 and r = 0.42; P < 0.001, respectively). Most of the patients 131(68.9%) had no significant fibrosis (F0,F1) while those with significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 59 (31.1%) and 23(12.1%) respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is high in this population.

Keywords: Fibroscan, Hepatic fibrosis, APRI, FIB-4