Abstract
Assessing the histopathological degree of liver damage is essential to the routine care of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Several scoring systems have been proposed in attempts to standardize the histological assessment. One scoring system has been proposed by Ishak et al. Although widely endorsed, its interobserver reliability has not been evaluated. 95 liver biopsies from patients with chronic HCV infection were scored by three independent observers. Interface hepatitis, confluent necrosis, focal necrosis, portal inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed. Confluent necrosis, which is more common in acute hepatitis, was not seen in any biopsy. For each of the remaining variables of inflammation (periportal hepatitis, focal necrosis, and portal inflammation) we found agreement in 95-96% for all three observers. Kappa scores ranged from 0.11 to 0.41 and weighted kappa scores from 0.18 to 0.53. For staging we noted 84% agreement, kappa scores of 0.26-0.47, and weighted kappa scores of 0.57-0.69. The Ishak system is associated with good interobserver reliability if a deviance of one categorical level in each variable of the system is accepted as agreement. Compared to the Knodell system it provides more detailed information but is less reliable regarding fibrosis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
