Application of FibroTouch combined with AST to platelet ratio index in diagnosis of portal hypertension in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the value of non-invasive liver fibrosis detection system (FibroTouch) combined with aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in the diagnosis of portal hypertension induced by liver cirrhosis. Methods 90 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis induced by viral hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis B treated in the Second Yuebei People's Hospital from January 2016 to June 2018 were recruited. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval was received. The patients were divided into the liver cirrhosis group (n=45) and chronic hepatitis B group (n=45). In the liver cirrhosis group, 31 cases were male and 14 female, aged 35-78 years with a median age of 52 years. In the chronic hepatitis B group, 28 patients were male and 17 female, aged 28-76 years with a median age of 51 years. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured with FibroTouch. APRI was calculated. The diameter of portal vein were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. The severity of esophageal varices was assessed by gastroscopy. All parameters were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA or t test. Correlation analysis was conducted by Spearman's rank correlation analysis. Results The LSM and APRI in liver cirrhosis group were (22±7) kPa and 2.01±0.35, significantly higher than (8±3) kPa and 0.80±0.26 in chronic hepatitis B group (t=3.586,7.305; P<0.05). The portal vein diameter and esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis were positively correlated with LSM and APRI (rs=0.527, 0.701 and 0.803, 0.605; P<0.05). Conclusions The combination of FibroTouch and APRI can accurately diagnose portal hypertension induced by liver cirrhosis, which is economical, non-invasive and reusable, and can dynamically monitor the portal hypertension. Key words: Liver cirrhosis; Hypertension, portal; Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index