FIB-4 Score and Cirrhosis due to Alcohol - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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FIB-4 Score and Cirrhosis due to Alcohol

idyllic420 profile image
11 Replies

I've been reading posts that some body can have perfect blood tests (ALT,AST,GGT,ALP,Bilurubin, Platelets etc.) and still have underlying ALcohol Related Cirrhosis.

I just want to know the FIB- 4score of the fellow members here who are suffering from Cirrhosis. is it showing normal or does it show some scarring/fibrosis?

It can easily calculated online,

mdcalc.com/fibrosis-4-fib-4...

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idyllic420
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11 Replies

Hi,

As per our community guidelines, we do not allow the sharing of medical tests and results on the forum.

If you are concerned about fibrosis can we suggest that you speak with your GP who will be best placed to order a specific fibrosis blood test or a FibroScan.

Keep us posted.

Very best wishes.

idyllic420 profile image
idyllic420 in reply to

I'm in USA and I have a family doctor. What kind of blood tests can I have him order for checking fibrosis and cirrhosis? Thank you

in reply toidyllic420

Hi,

We are UK based so only have an understanding of the fibrosis related tests available via our NHS.

Could you investigate with your primary care doctor what is routinely used in the US?

JennerLayne profile image
JennerLayne in reply toidyllic420

I am in the USA and work with a team of doctors - gastroenterologist, hepatologist, hematologist, rheumatologist, cardiologist, pulminologist, etc. The best thing I've discovered since Jan '21 is to roundup a team of doctors who work within one system (in my case Piedmont in GA) and report all results to ONE shared electronic chart. They can see what tests and labs other doctors have ordered/performed, along with the results, making it easier for me now that I am greatly fatigued and operating at a low level. At times, they even call each other to discuss procedures, medications and treatments. They've taken it upon themselves to order the tests and bloodwork based on current finds. I've had more success by doing this in the past 4 months, than I had working with independent teams over a period of 9 years with no formal treatment plans and lots of confusion. Though my liver is in advanced stages (due to AI Hep and PBC) along with other AI conditions, at least I feel like my symptoms, issues, and need for treatment are finally being addressed and I am getting answers. Be persistent. Advocate for yourself. Take along a loved one or friend to those doctors who allow one caretaker to attend with you. Good luck!!!

Str8jacket profile image
Str8jacket

The Fib-4 score is for hepatitis virus-related liver disease, not alcohol-related liver disease. hepatitisc.uw.edu/page/clin...

Downunda profile image
Downunda

Hi Idyllic420,I posted perfect blood work a few weeks back and asked if you can still have cirrhosis with perfectly normal bloods...well, you can.

My fibroscan was 34kPa.

People who replied in my posted stated they have reduced their kPa scores over time. I’m sure hoping I can do this as well.

I don’t have any symptoms now. I did have liver pain and very mild edema from time to time but that’s all subsided.

All the best to you and everyone else going through all of this.

I do know you can stabilise over time and stop the progression if you stop the cause...ie; alcohol.

Cheers. Dan

Worriesalot profile image
Worriesalot in reply toDownunda

At least you know now and can work towards lowering it, people on here have.

idyllic420 profile image
idyllic420 in reply toWorriesalot

Cirrhosis diagnosis is not easy to digest! you can do the same by not worrying about unknown and eating healthy!

idyllic420 profile image
idyllic420 in reply toDownunda

Thanks for replying back. Good Luck to you on your journey. My question is, is Fibroscan reliable ? I have read that it depends on the technician on how they use it. Also for some cases, if some one has been taking care of the abuse i.e abstinence from alcohol for over 6 months to a year and then they get a lower reading which does not indicate cirrhosis. Is that even possible?I had really high liver enzymes back in October. My ultrasound was ok that time. I was not given any additional tests. My blood numbers dropped back to normal in 1.5 months. I now have been alcohol free for 6 months and I really want to get an accurate diagnosis of my liver condition. My fear is that if I go for Fibroscan and it may not give me an accurate picture.

Str8jacket profile image
Str8jacket in reply toidyllic420

A few things can throw off the Fibroscan. Current inflammation of the liver (such as with recent drinking, high ALT levels at the time of the scan are often an indicator of this) or taking the scan soon after eating can increase the measured stiffness. Using the improper sized scan on someone who's overweight, or running the scan when there is minimal ascites (the kind one wouldn't notice--if there obvious ascites the Fibroscan should not be run) can decrease the score. User expertise, as with any scan, is also important.

I would suggest that if you don't have very specific symtpoms of liver disease and all your tests look normal, you can probably take those tests at face value.

Hi idyllic420 - just a gentle reminder that we do not allow results to be posted on the forum. Best wishesTrust10.

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