Confused

[kippy2]

I am confused, can anyone help me please. I have not had an alcoholic drink for 2.5 years. In September 2019 my ELF blood test was 9.0. I have had another one in June 2021 which was 10.1

I was never given a fibroscan and was very anxious with not knowing what was going on with my liver. I was told I have fibrosis. Last week I had another ELF blood test and my score is 9.9 so still in the severe range. So I took myself down to the British liver trust event in Southampton and thanks to the wonderful staff there I was able to have a fibroscan, my score on that is 2.9kpa, I am confused ……. do I have fibrosis or not? as one test is saying yes, severe fibrosis and the fibroscan is saying the opposite.

[Fibro2021]

I figure if two tests are at odds it is definitely worth investigating it more and getting to the bottom of things.

[kippy2 in reply to Fibro2021]

The doctor says no more ELF tests for two years, that still doesn’t tell me what’s going on and I’m not under a consultant now

[Fibro2021 in reply to kippy2]

At least as I understand the situation, at present you have no complaints or specific symptoms. You need to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a healthy diet.

[kippy2 in reply to Fibro2021]

Thank you for your reply. I generally eat a lot of salad but do indulge in chocolate and ice cream, a couple of times a week. I don’t suppose you know if that could make an ELF score high

[kensimmons]

According to this the worst thing you could have is fibrosis and that is reversible with a healthy lifestyle. You should let out a whoop of joy, cut back on the chocolate and ice cream and alcohol (if any) and in two years your score should be fine.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/235...

Please note I am just some poster on the internet and not a doctor.

Good luck and chin up!

[kippy2 in reply to kensimmons]

Thank you kensimmons for your reply, haven’t had alcohol for 2.5 years now, previous to that I drank far too much and for many years

[Corin1950]

I had an ELF score of 9.0 which a GP informed me indicated “the possibility of significant fibrosis.” and referried me to a hepatologist for a fibroscan.The waiting time was 13-16 weeks so as I was very anxious having lost my mother to liver disease when she was only 61 I decided to pay to see a consultant who then ordered blood tests. I then paid to have a fibroscan and the score was 4.3 kPa which he said showed no fibrosis. The CAP score which measures the amount of fat in the liver was 270 which is at the top end of mild. As I’m 71 he said it’s not too worrying but that I should try to lose weight as I’d lose fat from my liver and advised not drinking, which wasn’t a problem for me as I didn’t drink much anyway. So my diagnosis was NAFLD.

He advised having another fibroscan in a years time to check there was no progression and hopefully see an improved CAP score.

My NHS appointment came through at about 12 weeks but I cancelled it as there was no point going for another fibroscan so quickly.

SO my point is the ELF score can be affected by several things. The consultant thought it might be the high rheumatoid factor I have in my blood and as the fibroscan scan showed no fibrosis. Your kPa score is lower than mine so that’s even better. Did you get a CAP( the amount of fat in your liver) score too?

[kippy2 in reply to Corin1950]

Hi Corin, Thank you so much for your indepth explanation with these tests. So sorry you lost your mum to awful liver disease. The other figures in my fibroscan was CAP Db/m median 100, is that the fatty liver figure you mean.? I was a heavy drinker for years but not touched a drop for 2.5 years

[Corin1950]

Well done for giving up the drinking. That’s a real positive for your health. I looked up your score.“The CAP score is measured in decibels per meter (dB/m) and ranges from 100-400. A CAP score that falls anywhere between 238 to 260 dB/m represents 11-33% fatty change in the liver. A CAP score that falls anywhere between 260 to 290 dB/m represents 34-66% fatty change in the liver.”

If your CAP score is 100 you have nothing to worry about. Mine is 260 and I don’t need following up for a year.

I have found by reading posts on here that often ELF tests conflict with fibroscan scores and that is because ELF tests can be affected by lots of other factors. I think the fibroscan scores are more accurate and I trust the consultant I saw.

I’d say continue to see your GP and report your fibroscan scores so they are on your medical record but don’t waste time on unnecessary worry, lead a healthy lifestyle and get on and enjoy your life.

[kippy2 in reply to Corin1950]

Thank you Corin for the research you have done on this. It has been very helpful. I will try now not to stress, and I wish you all the best for niw and in the future 🙂

[Corin1950]

Thanks 😀

[sophiaS1980]

I know It's hard not to stress but your results are fine. Are you worried due to symptoms?

[kippy2 in reply to sophiaS1980]

Thanks Sophia. I don’t have symptoms as such apart from I’m always tired. I think as the ELF score was severe, something must be causing it

[Jimguru]

I have had scores of over 12 on ELF tests, but Fibroscan has shown only mild fatty liver. I have taken it as a warning, but just got on with life