Fibroscan

[Pbe58]

Hello I had my fibroscan yesterday . I was diagnosed with Aih December with blood test (SMA) I have been on reducing pred and the last 3 weeks in aza 50 . Now on 10 pred (reducing to 5) then staying on 5 pred and 50 aza . This is all his phone calls with liver nurse . She performed the fibroscan yesterday she said I don’t have a fatty liver . But my Kpa was 16.5 . She wants to repeat in 2-3 months . I have not slept ( reading the internet) is this stage 4 . Is it reversable. I know I should have asked yesterday . But in shock. I have the occasional glass of wine but not a drinker .

[AyrshireK]

Whilst the Fibroscan score chart which includes AIH does show 16.5 kPa being 'just' into F4/cirrhosis stage there is the possibility that this is mildly exagerated especially if you still have ongoing inflammation indicated in your bloods. (Fibroscan notoriously can't tell the difference between actual fibrous tissue and ongoing inflammation).

If your AIH becomes controlled and you arn't flaring and thereby suffering more liver damage there is the potential that you can stop further damage and even reverse some of that done. Even if you do have very early cirrhosis it needn't progress further once your meds are controlling your condition.

I know that other AIH patients also enjoy a wee tipple now and then and it isn't banned outright but anything and everything you can do that can avoid stressing your liver would be advisable.

Are there any plans to give you a biopsy? Bloods alone arn't enough to confirm a diagnosis of AIH - positive response to steroids is a good hint that way though.

Whilst no doubt it is a shock it is possible to live a long (and healthy life) even with AIH and some of the Facebook AIH members are going strong despite decades of both AIH & Cirrhosis.

(My hubby has an unusual presentation of AIH in that his is burned out - he had cirrhosis before we even knew he was poorly. Presenting with decompensated symptoms 10 years ago this year ......... he's not 100% well but is stable).

Katie

Fibroscan score chart with the bottom bar being the one for AIH

[Hidden]

Hi,

Katie has provided a great response on this thread.

It is very important that you speak to the liver nurse who performed the FibroScan as she has a duty of care to fully explain the results in the context of your own personal diagnosis and treatment,

Warm wishes

Trust1

[Kobesnan]

There is a specific group for those with AIH which you may find very helpful.

[Pbe58]

So I was telling a little better more energy . Now on 5mg pred and aza 50mg daily down to fortnightly bloods . My ALT is again increasing I know still low at 124 APH 179 Bil 26 forgot to ask about albumin. Liver Nurse on the phone ! said to remain on current meds and back to weekly bloods . She will show consultant when she sees him(I have still not had consultation with him) . Will just have to wait again. Do you think they will have to have liver biopsy nie as diagnosed AIH with bloods only ??