Abstract
BackgroundLiver fibrosis predicts liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Non-invasive scores correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis in these patients.Aims and methodsTo investigate the accuracy of noninvasive scoring systems in predicting long-term outcomes and cancer incidence of patients with NAFLD, we performed a single-center retrospective study of patients with biopsy proven NAFLD. Mean follow up period was 100 months. Outcomes included liver-related complications, hospitalizations, overall mortality and the development of any malignancies.Results32 patients had advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) per biopsy at baseline and 121 patients had mild to moderate fibrosis (F0-F2). Both advanced histologic fibrosis stage as well as higher non-invasive scores predicted repeated hospitalizations and longer hospitalization stays. In a multivariate analysis, liver fibrosis (p = 0.002), FIB-4 score (p<0.001), NFS (p<0.001) but not APRI score (p = 0.07) were predictors of overall mortality, and the occurrence of malignancies was associated with higher APRI (p<0.001), FIB-4 (p<0.001) and NFS (p = 0.008) scores, but not with advanced fibrosis, as determined by liver biopsy (p = 0.105).ConclusionsIn NAFLD patients, noninvasive scoring systems are good predictors of morbidity and mortality and may have an additive value in predicting the development of hepatic and extra-hepatic cancers.
Highlights
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver related morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]
Liver fibrosis (p = 0.002), FIB-4 score (p
Most liver related outcomes occur once cirrhosis has developed, with the exception of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that might develop even without cirrhosis in a proportion of NAFLD patients[5]
Summary
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver related morbidity and mortality worldwide [1, 2]. Percutaneous liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for assessment of the degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation. This procedure is associated with risk of serious complications and a considerable rate of sampling error and observer variations[8]. Limited data suggests that these noninvasive scoring systems can be used to predict liver-related morbidity and mortality in NAFLD patients[10, 11]. Liver fibrosis predicts liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Non-invasive scores correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis in these patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
