ELF test results

[Sunnychick]

Hi I have had an ultrasound which showed fatty liver. I've had an ELF test which was 8. The Hepatologist consultant said this was low and didn't indicate fibrosis - is this correct? How do people normally get their stage of fatty liver diagnosed please? Thanks

[Sunnyskies33]

I had a fibroscan after the ultrasound to get kPa (measures stiffness/scarring) and CAP scores (percent of liver with fatty infiltration).

[gardenfun]

Normal Values for the ELF Test

Reference range for healthy individuals:

ELF scores typically range from 6.7 to 9.8, with slightly higher values in men (7.0–9.9) compared to women (6.6–9.3).

Interpretation:

< 7.7: Minimal or no fibrosis.

7.7–9.8: Moderate fibrosis risk.

≥ 9.8: Increased risk of significant fibrosis; higher cut-offs (10.5–11.3) are used to indicate advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, depending on clinical context.

Note:

Age and gender can influence ELF values, so interpretation should consider these factors.

( science direct, elsevier)

[Woodystar]

I’ve had 3 ELF tests over the last 10 yrs … 9.8 - 10.1 - 10.1 and only just had a fibroscan (Cap 320 - KPA 6.7) showed plenty of fat in my liver but also plenty of elasticity so not been told I have fibrosis, Ultrasound also shows I have quite a lot of fat in my liver. A Gastro consultant said I would only be referred to Heptology if the ELF score was 10.2 or above

I know I have Fatty Liver disease and sometimes my ALT a score is raised into the 40s with only one time having it over 180 but think was about a cyst and medications.

I just try to eat well and exercise as much as I can (not easy as I have fibromyalgia too).

Interestingly I’ve been put on Praluent for familial high cholesterol (about 7 months ago now) - my latest liver ALT a score has nearly dropped to normal. Fingers crossed that it helps my liver in the long run

[Lentil-Pasta]

Hi Sunny, From my readings on the subject patients with scores above 9.8 have negative predictive values while those with below 9.8 do not. My score was a 9.84 and it scared the heck out of me, and I have changed my lifestyle dramatically because of that score, and have seen my CAP and my kPa from fibroscan come down dramatically. I am not a doctor, but in my opinion your score of 8, while not a great score, it means your not imminent danger, and very importantly you can do lifestyle changes that will improve your fatty liver. It is much harder with NAFLD to reduce fibrosis once it is advanced, but is very doable with mild to moderate. I don't know what your other tests show but your score of 8 gives you breathing room, and should give you strong motivation to improve your liver health. The research paper which helped me understand the ELF score is called "Enhanced liver Fibrosis (ELF) score predicts hepatic decompensation and mortality", It can be found by google search. Best of luck!

[Lentil-Pasta]

Hi again, you should do a fibroscan, and then depending on that result, you may want to get an MRI of abdomen with MRE of Liver.