Frequency of Liver Fibrosis by Non Invasive Marker in Patients with Non-Alcohol Fatty Liver Diseases

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease. NAFLD is commonly associated with obesity, insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities such as hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia.  Patients with NAFLD can be properly rationalized and with early exploration and management of fatty liver the progression and complications of NAFLD in relation to liver fibrosis can be reduced on priority basis because the APRI is noninvasive and a simple calculation of two laboratorial variables. Objective: To determine the frequency of liver fibrosis by non-invasive marker in patients with non-alcohol fatty liver disease. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted upon 164 patients with NAFLD, presented at Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. All the patients with NAFLD were evaluated and explored for liver fibrosis through APRI by taking 2cc venous blood sample in a sterilized syringe by principal investigator and send to laboratory for analysis to get the AST and platelet count. An APRI score greater than 0.7 was set cut off for significant hepatic fibrosis. The data were collected on pre-designed proforma.  The study lasted 6 months from 26th February 2020 to 31st August 2020. Results: The mean age of the patients was 48.15±11.13 years. Frequency of liver fibrosis by non-invasive marker in patients with non-alcohol fatty liver disease was 10.98% (18/164).  The mean APRI score was found to be 1.8±0.6. Conclusions: It was concluded that APRI is noninvasive and a simple calculation of two laboratory variables and can easily be used at the bedside or in an outpatient setting to assess the liver fibrosis. In this way, the management of NAFLD can be improved.