Fatty liver?

[Jenniepotts]

I had a fibroscan yesterday to see if I was eligible to go on a trial for fatty liver disease. I wasn't eligible as my readings weren't high enough thankfully but he said my cap score was high. Nothing was explained but I've since looked on the internet and I'm not sure if I have fatty liver disease? He didn't suggest I go see my doctor so I'm assuming I'm ok but would just like some reassurance. My scores are below. I'm a 57 year old woman with a BMI of 42 if that makes any difference.

[AyrshireK]

I am surprised they didn't suggest you need to see your doctor with a fibroscan score of 393 CAP.

If you look at the understand your fibroscan score page mskcc.org/cancer-care/patie... then you'll see where that score lies and almost certainly reflects very severe S3 Fatty Liver. Your score could be elevated by your BMI too which is high.

About Your CAP Score

Your CAP score is a measurement of fatty change in your liver. Your healthcare provider will use your CAP score to find out your steatosis grade.

The CAP score is measured in decibels per meter (dB/m). It ranges from 100 to 400 dB/m. The table below shows ranges of CAP scores and the matching steatosis grade and amount of fatty change.

CAP Score Steatosis Grade Amount of Liver with Fatty Change

238 to 260 dB/m S1 11% to 33%

260 to 290 dB/m S2 34% to 66%

Higher than 290 dB/m S3 67% or more

Good news is your low kPa score which shows that you presently have little in the way of fibrosis but you do need to do what you can to address the fatty liver which could progress to more serious liver ill health.

The British Liver Trust has a page dedicated to NAFLD (Non Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease) which might prove useful to you.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Don't ignore this condition, it is fast becoming the leading cause of liver disease in the Western World and needs treating.

All the best, Katie

[Jenniepotts in reply to AyrshireK]

Thankyou. I'm going to take my results into the doctors for them to put onto my records and take it from there x

[AyrshireK in reply to Jenniepotts]

Certainly CAP only goes up to 400 so your score is pretty high up there, I wonder if the trial you were being assessed for was looking for people with fibrosis from their fatty liver.

[Jenniepotts in reply to AyrshireK]

Yes they were, they wanted people with a high kpa score

[AyrshireK in reply to Jenniepotts]

Well, that's one bonus that your kPa score doesn't reflect much in the way of fibrosis just now.

Best wishes with your weight loss and hopefully a big improvement in your liver health.

Katie

[Hidden]

A BMI of 42 means obesity. You may not necessarily have a fatty liver disease bad enough for trials but in order to make sure you don't, or get other liver and health problems, you really should address your diet and lifestyle in general. Good luck

Laura

[Jenniepotts in reply to Hidden]

I've just signed up to the NHS weight loss scheme x

[Hidden in reply to Jenniepotts]

Well done. So important to look after ourselves. Good luck keep us posted x

[briccolone in reply to Jenniepotts]

Good for you Jennie

[Huntmaverik in reply to briccolone]

My CAP was 400 and KPa 17 in May this year. Yesterday I had a repeat fibroscan . It's now 296/ 3.7. i cut down my weight by 14 kgs , zero carb, sugar & packaged foods. Replaced them with millets, veggies and lean meat. It's very easy

[Rosebud1920 in reply to Hidden]

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. Another words, even underweight people have a BMI measurement. At an individual level, BMI can be used as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual. See information on CDC on BMI and look for information on proper measurement. There are charts online but some only ask height and weight and don’t pick up your waist measurement. Also BMI has become controversial as an indicator of health. Read the History of the BMI.

If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.

If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the normal or Healthy Weight range.

If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the overweight range.

If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.

[Hidden]

Have you had any elevated alt and ast liver enzyme numbers on your blood work?

[Jenniepotts in reply to Hidden]

I've never had any blood work done, this was just a trial I was invited to do from a private company. I wasn't aware I had any problems. I haven't been to my doctors for over 5 years.

[AyrshireK in reply to Jenniepotts]

Some liver bloods would be a good idea if you can see your GP, it's important to find out if you have ongoing liver inflammation (ALT, AST etc.) because the more inflammed your liver is along with the fatty build up then it can start to cause fibrosis.

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

How high of an ALT would it have to be to really start causing fibrosis . Mine has spiked high over 100 when I was over weight, but now it hovers right at 50-52. It is over the limit, but barely. Is that enough to cause fibrosis over the years. Fibroscan numbers were 300 CAP and 4.7 kpa before weight loss .

[Gabe61]

Hi Jenniepotts :)I see so often where dr’s aren’t willing to answer our questions. These are our lives and I won’t take that anymore. We deserve better. My suggestion is that you make an appointment with your dr. Write all your questions down and insist he make time for you. You are a human being and deserve to be treated better as we all do. I have PBC and severe anemia as well as small vessel Ischemic disease (brain). All of these diagnosed in the last few months. I’m learning that I have to ask! Be kind to yourself 💕

[Mikewil151]

Your stiffness score is excellent! But you need to bring your CAP score down to avoid future scarring. Aim for sub 240.