Tests for Fibrosis / Cirrhosis

[PoorlyLiver]

Fibrosis/Cirrhosis. I read that there are blood tests that can indicate levels of this. I have autoimmune hepatitis (diagnosed last June) and my bloods tests cover liver function, IGG and whole blood count. I think there are blood tests to indicate liver fibrosis/cirrhosis - be good to hear if this is the case and if so which items are tested for in the blood. Thanks.

[AyrshireK]

There are two tests that your GP might be able to run - FIB 4 and/or ELF test. Both are sets of bloods which then go on to give a reading based on some calculations from your readings.

There is also Fibroscan if available near your but results can be elevated if you have ongoing inflammation. If your inflammation is under control a Fibroscan can give a kPa reading - however there isn't currently a scale for auto immune hepatitis. i.e. for NAFLD, alcohol related, Hep C there are definitive lines where a certain kPa reflects a reading on the metavir scale (F0-F4).

Katie

[PoorlyLiver in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks, very helpful and informative!

[B3nnen2015]

There are sums you to do with blood results. Im not sure of they are reliable though. I wouldnt take their word for it either way. A fibroscan sounds like it would be more accurate than an equasion on blood tests.

Google 'fibrosis calculator' or 'fib 4 calculator ' to give you a list.

[B3nnen2015 in reply to B3nnen2015]

Also i think they are mostly for nafld. Not autoimmune hepatitis.

Alt,ast and platelets blood values are entered. Along with your age and BMI

[PoorlyLiver in reply to B3nnen2015]

Thanks! Will google as suggested.

[WayCas]

In the US, I had a FibroSpect NASH blood test. It gives you an F score for fibrosis. With F4 highest indicating Cirrhosis. Mine was F3. Seems to work well and correlates with other tests.

[Owlie]

ELF test gave me a near identical reading when I had a fibroscan

[PoorlyLiver in reply to Owlie]

Thanks Owlie! Will have a look at that test..

[Bluegirl52]

You also have to remember that blood tests like the NASH fibrosure or regular Fibrosure are really just several different blood levels that are measured and then using an algorithm, tell you what level of fibrosis/cirrhosis there is and many outside factors (medications/other conditions) can affect any one or more of these tests.

[summerc23]

isn’t a fibroscan the best way of looking at this with an a ultrasound

[PoorlyLiver in reply to summerc23]

Yes, I believe so, but they are more costly so was wondering if a blood test might be a good interim check until they decide I can have a fibroscan. I was sounding out those in our group to see what is available in advance of my next appointment with consultant .. because intend to ask about what is proposed in my case. Currently, it seems nothing is to be done for two or more years in determining state of my liver beyond the normal bloods (these do not include the ELF type testing). Just seems like a long time to me, but maybe the plan is to give me a fibroscan... just nothing mentioned so far. Bit like the bone scan I was supposed to get some months back, but that was overlooked too, so feel I need to keep on top of things rather than rely on me getting all the scanning and screening that is recommended. Thanks for input..