Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-platelet Ratio Research Articles

The Relationship Between Liver Fibrosis Scores and Ascending Aortic Dilatation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to an increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This study investigated a potential relationship between liver fibrosis scores (LFS) reflecting NAFLD and ascending aortic dilatation (AAD). This is an observational and cross-sectional study. Patients were consecutively enrolled from a cardiology clinic. The NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio (APRI), and BARD scores of each patient were calculated. The ascending aortic diameters were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography according to current clinical guidelines. The patients were allocated into two groups with and without AAD. A total of 272 patients were included in the study. In AAD group, age, patients with hypertension (HT), coronary artery disease (CAD), FIB-4 index, BARD score and the NFS were significantly higher. As compared to the AAD group, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, and diuretic use were significantly higher in patients without aortic dilatation. The NFS with AAD, and NFS and FIB-4 index with indexed aortic diameter (AI) showed significant positive correlation (R=0.546, R=0.332, R=0.314 with p<0.001, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis hemoglobin levels (OR=0.728, 95%CI: 0.553-0.958; p=0.023), BMI (OR=0.762, 95%CI: 0.668-0.869, p<0.001), HT (OR=3.269, 95%CI: 1.045-10.220; p=0.042), BARD score (OR=1.248, 95%CIL 0.815-1.955; p=0.044), and FIB-4 index (OR=2.432, 95%CI: 1.395-4.246; p=0.002) were found to be independently related to AAD. Our study demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between NFS, FIB-4 index, BARD score and AAD. The presence of positive correlation among LFS and AAD in our study is remarkable. This may emphasize the increased risk of AAD in NAFLD.

Influence of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Level of Physical Activity with Liver Steatosis in People Aged > 50 Years and with a BMI > 25 kg/m2: Association with Biochemical Markers.

The main objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of different biochemical markers of hepatic steatosis and to correlate liver steatosis with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity. A cross-sectional study was carried out, including subjects over 50 years of age, with a BMI > 25 kg/m2, but excluding any patient with documented hepatic pathology other than hepatic steatosis. Participants were divided into two groups: patients with hepatic steatosis diagnosed by ultrasound (SG) and a control group of individuals without hepatic steatosis (CG). The level of physical activity was recorded by the IPAQ-SF questionnaire and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was recorded using the PREDIMED questionnaire. Biochemical markers analyzed included the Hepatic steatosis index (HSI), AST-to-Platelet ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4). A total of 116 patients were included, 71 belonging to the SG and 45 to the CG. A total of 58.6% of the patients showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 35.4% moderate adherence and 6% high adherence. The median estimated physical activity was 495 METS, with most participants reporting light activity. In the SG, significantly higher HSI values were observed (p < 0.001). A cut-off point of a HSI of 40 was established, with a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 65.8%. Significantly higher FIB-4 values (p = 0.039) were also observed in the SG. A cut-off point of FIB-4 was set at 0.27, with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 57.9%. Patients in the SG showed lower scores in the PREDIMED. Patients in the SG tended to show lower METS scores. However, the higher number of patients with intense activity in the CG group stands out (p = 0.008). The HSI and FIB-4 showed a significant correlation with liver steatosis. Hepatic steatosis is associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and patients with hepatic steatosis tended to have lower METS scores.

Correlation of Simple Laboratory Result Parameters to CTP and MELD Scores, and the Diagnostic Role of Simple Laboratory Indexes to Cirrhosis Decompansation

BackgroundCirrhosis of the liver is a final condition of all chronic liver diseases. Liver cirrhosis is the leading cause of increasing morbidity and mortality in adults worldwide. Systemic inflammation has been suggested to play an important role in causing progressive liver damage and is one of the leading causes of compensated and decompensated liver cirrhosis.Aim of StudyEvaluate the correlation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin-bilirubin ratio (ABR), albumin-bilirubin score (ALBI), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI), albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), de ritis ratio to the severity of liver cirrhosis as assessed by CTP score and MELD score. In addition, this study also evaluated the diagnostic ability of NLR, ABR, ALBI, APRI, ACR, LMR, de ritis ratio, and CTP and MELD scores in predicting decompensated liver cirrhosis.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis at Prof DR IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital. All patients were diagnosed based on clinical history, physical examination, and investigations. This study enrolled 96 cirrhotic patients regardless of etiology. Laboratory examination results recorded platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, AST, ALT, albumin, and creatinine. Then NLR, ACR, APRI, LMR, de raitis, ALBI, and ABR are calculated. CTP and MELD scores were calculated by taking data from the patient's medical recordResultOf the 96 patients tested in our study, the majority were male (66). The study found a significant moderate to very strong relationship to the MELD score between ACR, APRI, ALBI, ABR, LMR, WBC, sodium, and albumin. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, ACR, De ritis, APRI, LMR, ALBI, ABR, sodium levels, and albumin have a moderate to very strong significant relationship to CTP score. ACR, De ritis, APRI, LMR, ALBI, ABR, WBC, sodium, and albumin levels with respective cut-offs £ 3.6; ≥ 1.5; ≥ 0.3; £ 2.8; ≥ 0.7; £1.6; ≥ 6.7, £ 136.50, and £ 3.0 can be used to help predict decompensated cirrhosisConclusionIn addition to using the CTP score and MELD score as a tool to predict the severity of liver cirrhosis, data from laboratory examination results in the form of albumin and ABR levels can help establish the diagnosis of decompensated cirrhosis. The sensitivity and specificity of ABR were 96.8% and 75.4% with a cut-off of £ 1.6, while albumin levels were 93.5% and 81.5% with an amount off of £ 3.0.

Comparison of the LiMAx test vs. the APRI+ALBI score for clinical utility in preoperative risk assessment in patients undergoing liver surgery – A European multicenter study

IntroductionPosthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains the main reason for short-term mortality after liver surgery. APRI+ALBI, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) combined with albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI), score and the liver function maximum capacity test (LiMAx) are both established preoperative (preop) liver function tests. The aim of this study was to compare both tests for their predictive potential for clinically significant PHLF grade B and C (B+C). Materials and methods352 patients were included from 4 European centers. Patients had available preop APRI+ALBI scores and LiMAx results. Predictive potential for PHLF, PHLF B+C and 90-day mortality was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calculation of the area under the curve (AUC). Published cutoffs of ≥ −2.46 for APRI+ALBI and of <315 for LiMAx were assessed using chi-squared test. ResultsAPRI+ALBI showed superior predictive potential for PHLF B+C (N = 34; AUC = 0.766), PHLF grade C (N = 20; AUC = 0.782) and 90-day mortality (N = 15; AUC = 0.750). When comparing the established cutoffs of both tests, APRI+ALBI outperformed LiMAx in prediction of PHLF B+C (APRI+ALBI ≥2.46: Positive predictive value (PPV) = 19%, negative predictive value (NPV) = 97%; LiMAx <315: PPV = 3%, NPV = 90%) and 90-day mortality (APRI+ALBI ≥2.46: PPV = 12%, NPV = 99%; LiMAx <315: PPV = 0%, NPV = 94%) ConclusionIn our analysis, APRI+ALBI outperformed LiMAx measurement in the preop prediction of PHLF B+C and postoperative mortality, at a fraction of the costs, manual labor and invasiveness.

Hepatitis C virus infection associated with coronary and thoracic aortic atherosclerosis

BackgroundCoronary and thoracic aortic calcification was associated with stroke, coronary heart, and peripheral vascular disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is significantly associated with insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and hepatic steatosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HCV infection and coronary, thoracic aortic atherosclerosis. Materials and methodsCalcification was detected by chest computed tomography and defined as any Agatston score greater than zero. Metabolic syndrome was based on the modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and AST-to-platelet ratio (APRI) was calculated. The anti-HCV signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio was determined by the third generation ELISA kit. Atherosclerosis risk was estimated by using multiple logistic regression modeling. ResultsBeing positive for both metabolic syndrome and HCV infection (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.26–5.59, p = 0.007), negative for metabolic syndrome and positive for HCV infection (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.48–5.30, p = 0.001), and positive for metabolic syndrome and negative for HCV infection (OR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.92–3.07, p < 0.001) were associated with atherosclerosis compared with being negative for both metabolic syndrome and HCV infection (Ptrend< 0.001). HCV infection with liver fibrosis (HCVFIB4>1.4; OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.22–3.82, p = 0.008), or (HCVAPRI>0.5; OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.28–9.06, p = 0.014) and elevated anti-HCV S/CO ratio (anti-HCVS/CO>10.0; OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01–2.93, p = 0.045) was associated with atherosclerosis. ConclusionsHCV infection with metabolic syndrome, liver fibrosis and elevated anti-HCV S/CO ratio was associated with atherosclerosis.

An APRI+ALBI Based Multivariable Model as Preoperative Predictor for Posthepatectomy Liver Failure.

Clinically significant posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF B+C) remains the main cause of mortality after major hepatic resection. This study aimed to establish an APRI+ALBI, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) combined with albumin-bilirubin grade (ALBI), based multivariable model (MVM) to predict PHLF and compare its performance to indocyanine green clearance (ICG-R15 or ICG-PDR) and albumin-ICG evaluation (ALICE). 12,056 patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database were used to generate a MVM to predict PHLF B+C. The model was determined using stepwise backwards elimination. Performance of the model was tested using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and validated in an international cohort of 2,525 patients. In 620 patients, the APRI+ALBI MVM, trained in the NSQIP cohort, was compared with MVM's based on other liver function tests (ICG clearance, ALICE) by comparing the areas under the curve (AUC). A MVM including APRI+ALBI, age, sex, tumor type and extent of resection was found to predict PHLF B+C with an AUC of 0.77, with comparable performance in the validation cohort (AUC 0.74). In direct comparison with other MVM's based on more expensive and time-consuming liver function tests (ICG clearance, ALICE), the APRI+ALBI MVM demonstrated equal predictive potential for PHLF B+C. A smartphone application for calculation of the APRI+ALBI MVM was designed. Risk assessment via the APRI+ALBI MVM for PHLF B+C increases preoperative predictive accuracy and represents an universally available and cost-effective risk assessment prior to hepatectomy, facilitated by a freely available smartphone app.

A novel web-based online nomogram to predict advanced liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome

BackgroundPatients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC) overlap syndrome have a worse prognosis compared to AIH or PBC alone and accurately predicting the severity and dynamically monitoring the progression of disease are therefore essential. We aimed to develop a nomogram-based model to predict advanced liver fibrosis in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome. MethodsA total of 121 patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were retrospectively included and randomly assigned to a development set and a validation set. Backward stepwise regression's best model with the lowest AIC was employed to create a nomogram. Diagnose accuracy was evaluated using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA) and was compared with aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and fibrosis index based on four factors-4 (FIB-4) score. ResultsThe median age of patients was 53.0 years (IQR: 46.0–63.0), and female patients accounted for 95.0 %. Platelets, globulin, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time were associated with advanced fibrosis (≥S3) and used to construct an AIH-PBC overlap syndrome fibrosis (APOSF)-nomogram (available online at https://ndth-zzy.shinyapps.io/APOSF-nomogram/). The AUROCs of APOSF-nomogram were 0.845 (95 % CI: 0.754–0.936) and 0.843 (95 % CI: 0.705–0.982) in development set and validation set respectively, which was significantly better than APRI and FIB-4. Calibration revealed that the estimated risk fits well with biopsy-proven observation. DCA outperformed APRI and FIB4 in terms of net benefit, demonstrating clinical utility. ConclusionThis novel non-invasive web-based online APOSF-nomogram provided a convenient tool for identifying advanced fibrosis in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome. Further prospective, multicenter studies with large sample size are necessary to validate the applicability of APOSF-nomogram.

Oxaliplatin‑induced changes in splenic volume and liver fibrosis indices: retrospective analyses of colon cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between increased splenic volume (SV) and liver fibrosis indices in colon cancer patients receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients who received adjuvant oxaliplatin-based regimens with the diagnosis of stage II and III colon cancer were evaluated. Splenic volume measurements, liver function tests, platelet count, and non-invasive liver fibrosis indices [NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), AST to platelet ratio (APRI), and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4)] were measured before and after treatment. A 30% increase in SV after chemotherapy compared to baseline was considered increased SV. The rate of increase in SV was 57.7% in the whole group. An increase in SV was shown at a higher rate in patients treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) than those treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) (66.3% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the CAPOX regimen (OR: 2.831, 95% CI: 1.125-7.121; p = 0.027), and higher post-treatment FIB-4 score (OR: 3.779; 95% CI:1.537- 9.294, p = 0.004) were determined as independent risk factors for the increased SV. Our study revealed that increased SV had a significant association with higher FIB-4 score in patients treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Role of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio in the prediction and prognosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A case-control study from a tertiary center.

To evaluate the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) score as a predictive and prognostic test in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This study was conducted in 198 patients diagnosed with ICP and 204 healthy pregnant women who presented to a tertiary center between 2019 and 2022. APRI scores; laboratory findings in the first, second, and third trimesters; and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. The ICP group was evaluated for correlation between APRI scores and composite adverse outcomes. Two different receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to determine optimal cutoff values of predictive APRI score of ICP and composite adverse outcomes in patients with ICP. Aspartate aminotransferase values and APRI scores were significantly higher in the ICP group in all trimesters (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values of APRI scores to predict ICP for the first, second, and third trimesters were 0.101 (79.7% sensitivity, 79.6% specificity), 0.103 (78.4% sensitivity, 76.3% specificity), and 0.098 (72.5% sensitivity, 72% specificity), respectively. APRI scores were statistically higher in patients with ICP with composite adverse outcomes in all trimesters (P values of 0.03, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively). APRI score was found to be a valuable predictor of ICP and its adverse outcomes during the entire pregnancy.

Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein as a Predictor of Liver Fibrosis in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

Background and Objectives: Non-invasive methods for evaluating liver fibrosis have been a crucial focus of clinical research. The aim of the current study is to assess the accuracy of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in determining the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who are positive for HBeAg. Materials and Methods: The current study included a total of 276 HBeAg-positive CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy. The levels of serum AFP were measured in these patients using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. The correlations between serum AFP levels and other laboratory parameters were analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associations between serum AFP levels and liver fibrosis. The diagnostic performance of serum AFP and other non-invasive markers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 59 (21.4%) patients were found to have elevated levels of serum AFP (>7 ng/mL). These patients displayed a significantly higher proportion of both advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis compared to those with normal serum AFP levels (0-7 ng/mL). The level of serum AFP was positively associated with levels of serum globulin (GLB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL), as well as the AST-to-platelet ratio (APRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and Scheuer's classification, and negatively correlated with platelet (PLT) counts. Furthermore, serum AFP was found to be independently associated with significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The results of the ROC analysis showed that serum AFP was an effective predictor of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.721-0.821), 0.889 (95% CI: 0.847-0.923), and 0.925 (95% CI: 0.887-0.953), respectively. These values are higher than those of the APRI and FIB-4. Conclusions: Serum AFP could serve as a valuable supplemental biomarker for determining the severity of liver fibrosis in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Aspartate Aminotransferase to-Platelet Ratio Index; a reliable Non-Invasive Marker for Liver Cirrhosis – two year case control study at limited resources set up

Aspartate Aminotransferase to-Platelet Ratio Index; a reliable Non-Invasive Marker for Liver Cirrhosis – two year case control study at limited resources set up

Prediction of esophageal varices and risk of bleeding in liver cirrhosis by aspartate aminotransferase to-platelet ratio index and fibrosis-4 index

Background: Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage for chronic liver disease. During the course of cirrhosis repeated endoscopy is recommended. As this intervention is expensive and often poorly accepted by patients who may refuse further follow up, there is a need for non-invasive methods to predicts the progression of portal hypertension as well as the presence and size of esophageal varices. This study was aimed to assess the value of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) for predicting esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Objectives of the study were: prediction of esophageal varices and risk of bleeding in liver cirrhosis by APRI, and prediction of esophageal varices and risk of bleeding in liver cirrhosis by FIB-4. Methods: It was a single centre, observational study in 100 patients of chronic liver disease. Patients were included in the study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete blood count (CBC), liver function test (LFT), kidney function test (KFT), SE, viral marker, ultrasonography (USG) whole abdomen, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) was done for all patients. Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CTP) score was calculated for every patient. Results: The APRI and FIB-4 shows moderate diagnostic accuracy in predicting the presence of esophageal varices and variceal bleed. Conclusions: In conclusion, the APRI and FIB-4 shows moderate diagnostic accuracy in predicting the presence of esophageal varices and variceal bleed. They help in starting prophylactic therapy earlier to prevent the bleeding and other complications of varices. Although endoscopy remains the primary modality for diagnosis of esophageal varices but these non-invasive parameters can also play an effective role in conjunction with endoscopy in predicting the presence of esophageal varices.

Clinicopathological correlation of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR) with survival in esophageal carcinoma patients: a retrospective cohort analysis of 951 patients.

The objectives of the current study were to associate novel markers, including aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR) with survival in esophageal malignancy. A retrospective study in a tertiary care hospital (single-center) included 951 patients having diagnosed esophageal carcinoma of any age group. The median (interquartile range) age of study participants were 50 (38-60) years, including 43% males and 57% female patients, while the median (interquartile range) levels of AAR and APRI were 0.97 (0.81-1.25) and 0.19 (0.13-0.29), respectively. AAR was found to be higher in dysphagia for solids only and dysphagia for both liquids and solids rather than liquids only (P=0.002), while other associations included well-differentiated tumor grade (P=0.011), finding of esophageal stricture on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (P=0.015), and characteristic of mass on computerized tomography scan being both circumferential and mural (P=0.005). APRI was found to be higher in adenocarcinoma (P=0.038), and finding of circumferential±ulcerated mass on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (P<0.001). On survival analysis, adenocarcinoma (P<0.001), luminal narrowing (P=0.002), AAR greater than 1.0 (P=0.006), and APRI greater than 0.2 (P=0.007) were found to be poor survival predictors. On Cox proportional hazards regression, APRI was found to be more associated with poor survival than AAR (Hazard ratio: 1.682, 1.208-2.340, P=0.002). This study correlated clinical and pathological features of esophageal malignancy with noninvasive markers of hepatic function.

Serum Ribonucleotide Reductase Subunit M2 in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) plays a key role in cell and hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Nevertheless, its clinical implications for managing liver diseases have been inadequately studied. A total of 412 participants were enrolled, including 60 healthy control individuals, 55 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 173 patients with cirrhosis, and 124 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Serum RRM2 was measured via ELISA. The level of serum RRM2 in patients with CHB, cirrhosis, and HCC was higher than that in healthy controls (P <.05). Alarge difference in serum RRM2 was found between HBV-related and non-HBV-related patients in the cirrhosis group (P <.001), compared with the difference between HBV-related HCC and non-HBV-related HCC (P=.86). In the HBV-related cirrhosis group, the serum RRM2 level showed significant positive correlations with HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, Child-Pugh scores, and MELD scores and played a strong role in diagnosing HBV-related cirrhosis in CHB, compared with fibrosis-4 score and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index. Serum RRM2 is a reliable biomarker for accurate HBV-related cirrhosis diagnosis and evaluation. Also, serum RRM2 could reflect the expression state of HBV replication in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.

Significant fibrosis assessed by liver biopsy among Chinese bariatric surgery patients: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Fibrosis stages affect clinical prognoses related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, data on the prevalence and clinical features of significant fibrosis are scarce in Chinese bariatric surgery patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of significant fibrosis in bariatric surgery patients and to identify its predictors. We prospectively enrolled the patients performing intra-operative liver biopsies during bariatric surgery from a bariatric surgery center in a university hospital between May 2020 and January 2022. Anthropometric characteristics, co-morbidities, laboratory data and pathology reports were collected and analyzed. The performance of non-invasive models was evaluated. Of 373 patients, 68.9%% had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and 60.9% exhibited fibrosis. Significant fibrosis was present in 9.1% of patients, advanced fibrosis in 4.0%, and cirrhosis in 1.6%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; p=0.003), presence of diabetes (OR, 2.62; p=0.019), elevated c- peptide (OR, 1.26; p=0.025) and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR, 1.02; p=0.004) were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. The non-invasive models, AST to Platelet ratio (APRI), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and Hepamet fibrosis scores (HFS) provided greater accuracy for predicting significant fibrosis, compared to the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and BARD score. More than two-thirds of bariatric surgery patients had NASH and the prevalence of significant fibrosis was high. Elevated levels of AST and c- peptide, advanced age and diabetes indicated a higher risk of significant fibrosis. Non-invasive models, APRI, FIB-4 and HFS can be used to identify significant liver fibrosis in bariatric surgery patients.

Delta virus predominates and potentially predicts liver cirrhosis among co-infected hepatitis b and hepatitis d virus patients in pakistan

Background: High prevalence of Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) has been reported from some pockets in Pakistan. Typically, Hepatitis B (HBV) and HDV co-infection could cause severe hepatitis leading to cirrhosis at an early age. We aim to study the clinical outcomes of HBV/HDV co-infection compared to HBV mono-infection in a Punjabi, Pakistani population. Methods: The retrospective data on all HBV positive patients was extracted from Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Program (HPTP) of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute in Punjab, Pakistan. Majority (32/50) of the HBV/HDV co-infection were identified from Rajanpur clinic of HPTP. Pre-treatment liver tests, HBV-DNA viral load, HDV-RNA viral load; AST to Platelet ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) were calculated from standard equations. Cirrhosis was based on APRI (≥1.5) or/and Fib4 (≥1.45). HBV-DNA level ≤ 2,000 IU and ≥20,000 IU were categorized as low and high viral load respectively. Results: 57 (53%) patients were HBV mono-infected and 50 (47%) were co-infected with HDV. Mean age was 36.2±12.99 in the entire cohort and was not different between the two groups. Older age correlated to a higher APRI and Fib-4 scores in both groups. The two groups were predominantly male, 75% in HBV and 76% HBV/HDV co-infected patients. Sharing of toothbrushes was reported to be significantly higher by HBV mono-infected patients; p 0.005. Other risk factors were equally prevalent. 78% of HBV mono-infected and 79% HBV/HDV co-infected patients had ≤ 20,000 IU/ml HBV-DNA. While 56% and 44% had ≤ 2,000 IU/ml HBV DNA levels respectively. APRI and Fib-4 scores were significantly higher in HBV/HDV coinfected; p 0.01. The cirrhosis was diagnosed in 29 patients in HBV/HDV co-infected group, while no patient had cirrhosis in HBV mono-infected group. Within HBV/HDV co-infected group, mean HDV-viral load was significantly higher compared to HBV viral load; p 0.05. Mean HBV-DNA and HDV RNA levels in non-cirrhotics were 326411 and 35358369; and in cirrhotics 3340429 and 31867418 IU/ ml, respectively. 4 patients had undetectable HBV viral load and one of them had cirrhosis. 10 patients were cirrhotics with ≤ 2,000 IU/ml of HBV-DNA. The mean HDV RNA level in these 10 patients was 63, 000000 IU/ml. Mean HDV viral load was one log higher in patients with ≤20,000 IU/ml HBV-DNA compared to those with ≥ 20,000 IU/ml HBV-DNA viral load. Conclusion: Overall mode of transmission of HBV and HBV/HDV infections are similar in Punjab. More patients had higher liver fibrosis scores in HDV/HBV co-infected groups. The significantly low level of HBV, in the co-infected population especially cirrhotic patients indicates that liver disease is driven by HDV rather than HBV infection among co-infected Pakistani patients and Peg-interferon alone might be the best treatment option for them.

APRI and FIB-4 indices as diagnostic noninvasive scores for prediction of severe fibrosis in patients with biliary atresia.

Biliary atresia (BA) is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. The aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI), and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores are commonly used compound surrogates for advanced fibrosis. However, the use of APRI and FIB-4 entails a risk of overestimating the fibrosis stage due to the impact of necroinflammatory activity on transaminases. So, we determined the optimal cutoff values of the APRI and FIB-4 indices in prediction of fibrosis in BA patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of the APRI and FIB-4 indices in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA. A cross sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 121 children complaining of BA attending the National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt, during the period from January 2022 to February 2023. The APRI score was significantly higher among neglected BA than BA type II a, BA type III, type II b and type I (p = 0.001). Also FIB-4 was significantly higher among neglected BA than BA type II a, BA type II b, type III and type I (p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the cutoff point of the APRI score in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA was 1.29, with sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 76.0%, while the cutoff point of FIB-4 in prediction of fibrosis in patients with BA was 9.82 with sensitivity of 89.0% and specificity of 70.0%. Our study confirms that FIB-4 and APRI scores are both able to predict severe fibrosis. APRI score and FIB-4 are good non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy in the detection of liver fibrosis and its extent in patients with BA.

The role of Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet ratio (APRI) in the Prediction of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic HCV Patients

Abstract Introduction/Objective Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is typically characterized by slowly progressive hepatic fibrosis, with progression from stage 0 (no fibrosis) to stage 4 (cirrhosis). Aspartate aminotransferase-to- platelet ratio (APRI) may be a simple and convenient noninvasive diagnostic test because it is based on the regular laboratory tests and demographic data. However, its overall test performance in various settings remains questionable. Methods/Case Report Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of APRI in the prediction of hepatic fibrosis. Subjects and Methods: Serum samples were collected from patients recruited from Internal Medicine Dept., Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. The study included 118 liver fibrosis patients associated with chronic HCV infection (60 males and 58 females) and 50 age-matched healthy volunteers (27 males and 23 females). The HCV infection was diagnosed based on biochemical, serologic, and histological criteria. All samples of fibrotic liver patients showed a positive result for anti-HCV Abs using ELISA as a confirmatory test. AST, ALT, albumin, and total bilirubin were measured using standard methodologies. Routine blood pictures, including platelets counting were determined. The AST-ALT ratio was calculated as [AST/ ALT]. The APRI was calculated as [AST/ (upper limits of normal)/ platelets count 109/L]×100. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) There was no statistically significant difference between sex distribution in liver fibrosis patients and healthy volunteers. The mean±SD was (46.1±10.44 and 33.3±11.13) respectively. The medians of the selected laboratory markers in the healthy group and liver fibrotic patients were (41,39), (272.5,167), (36,54), (35.5,51), (0.9,0.98), (0.71,2.5), and (0.34, 0.86) for Albumin, Platelet count, AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio, Total Bilirubin, APRI respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in all laboratory parameters (p&amp;lt;0.001) and for APRI (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion The evaluation of APRI is uncomplicated, inexpensive, and has a reasonable degree of diagnostic accuracy in determining whether or not patients with chronic HCV have liver fibrosis.

Development and validation of a potential biomarker to improve the assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

We aimed to develop and validate a novel combined score to improve the assessment of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this study, a total of 331 CHB patients from three cohorts who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled, and the Scheuer system was used for liver fibrosis classification. The combined score was derived by principal component analysis of key differentially expressed genes. For significant liver fibrosis (≥S2), the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) of the combined score were 0.838, 0.842, and 0.881 in the three cohorts, respectively. And for advanced liver fibrosis (≥S3), the AUROCs were 0.794, 0.801, and 0.901, respectively. Compared with the results of AUROCs for aspartate aminotransferase≥to≥platelet ratio (APRI) and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) in the validation cohorts, better clinical diagnostic value for assessing the progression of liver fibrosis was found in the combined score. Additionally, univariate ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that the combined score could serve as a more superior and stable risk factor than APRI and FIB-4 in the assessment of liver fibrosis. For CHB patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), our results further emphasized the diagnostic value of the combined score for significant fibrosis (≥S2) and advanced fibrosis (≥S3). Moreover, it was found that patients with the high combined score, who were associated with the advanced fibrosis stage, had higher levels of drug sensitivity and immune checkpoint expression. In conclusion, the novel combined score could serve as a potential biomarker and contribute to improving the assessment of fibrosis stage in CHB patients.

What Makes A "Successful" Kasai Portoenterostomy "Unsuccessful"?

Clearance of jaundice (CoJ) is the first key objective of Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) for biliary atresia (BA) and its achievement is by far the best index of long-term prognosis. We sought to identify the reasons for failure [subsequent liver transplant (LT)] in this cohort. Review of single-center prospective BA database. Successful KPE was defined by achieving a postoperative bilirubin of ≤20 µmol/L. Pre-KPE and post-KPE variables were identified together with a multivariate logistic regression model to identify those observable at 3 months post-KPE. Data are quoted as median (range). A P value of ≤0.05 was significant. One hundred thirty-five infants underwent KPE between January 2012 and December 2018, of which 90 (67%) achieved CoJ. From these 20 (22%) (Cohort A) underwent LT with the remainder continuing with native liver (Cohort B) (median follow-up of 4.15 years). There was no difference in age at KPE ( P = 0.41), APRi (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio) ( P = 0.07), associated anomalies ( P = 0.7), and cytomegalovirus status ( P = 0.7) between the 2 groups. Postoperatively, both cholangitis [any episode, 18/20 (90%) vs 15/70 (21%); P < 0.0001] and portal hypertension (PHT) [gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, 10/20 (50%) vs 2/70 (2.8%); P < 0.0001] were significantly more common in cohort A. Univariate analysis showed that the most significant predictive values at 3 months for LT by 2 years were high APRi, bilirubin, international normalized ratio, and ultrasound (US)-detected ascites with multivariate logistic modeling confirming these variables with predictive values of r2 = 0.79, AUROC = 0.98. Failure is not preordained at KPE but due to recurrent cholangitis and/or symptoms of PHT.