29. Non-invasive prediction of liver fibrosis through echosens fibro meter virus

Abstract

Background and Aims: Non-invasive methods for liver fibrosis assessment have replaced liver particularly for monitoring viral infections such as HBV, HCV. No studies have validated this test in NAFLD patient with high risk factors. Methods: This study was done in patients presenting with chronic viral hepatitis B, chronic viral hepatitis C and NAFLD patient with high risk factors whenever the necessity of liver biopsy was apparent in deciding the appropriate treatment plan. Echosens Fibro meter Virus test was done to determine the stage of fibrosis and the necroinflammatory status in this cohort of in tertiary care centres in Jaipur during September 2013 to April 2018. Results: Analysis of data from 57 patients, 24 (42%) of which had chronic HBV infection and 7 (12%), chronic HCV infection and NAFLD patient with high risk factors 26 (46%) was done. The median age was 50.1 ± 12.0 (range 19–78). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 2.6 in the HBV group and 23.7 ± 2.2 in the HCV group and 33.2 ± 1.2 in the NAFLD group. The distribution of FibroMeter results was: F0–F1: 9 (12.2%), F1: 2 (3.3%), F1–F2: 23 (41.4%), F2: 9 (14.8%), F2–F3: 6 (11%), F3: 3 (5.0%), F3–F4: 7 (12.3%). The distribution of the necroinflammatory activity was: A0–A1: 9 (15.6%), A1–A2: 27 (47.1%), A2–A3: 21 (37.3%). No statistically significant differences were seen in this study between patients with chronic viral hepatitis and NAFLD regarding mean fibrosis scores (p = 0.468) or mean necroinflammatory activity scores (p = 0.72). Conclusions: Fibro meter Virus results should be interpreted in clinical context and potential confounding factors should be identified on a case-by-case basis. Direct comparative study of this test with liver biopsy will further validate the sensitivity and specificity of Fibrometer test. The authors have none to declare.