Fibroscan fluctuating scores

[FarahS]

Hi there,

So I’ve had my routine check up with my hepatologist which involves taking bloods and doing a fibroscan. Whilst I wait for the blood results to return, my fibro scan reading is 5.6kpa and CAP 235. In the last 6 months it was 4.7kpa and CAP 263.

Whilst I’m happy with my CAP score (I’ve lost over a stone and have done A LOT of healthy lifestyle changes, including lots of exercise, healthy eating, no alcohol, high fibre diet low sugar etc), I am slightly concerned that my fibroscan has gone from 4.7kpa to 5.6kpa in 6 months.

My question is, is this level of change ‘ok’? A slight creeping up is worrying me a bit…my last liver bloods 6 months ago were normal except for an elevated GGT at 113. I will wait for my latest bloods but just curious if anyone know about 4.7 to 5.6 kPa is significant in 6 months.

Thank you!

[periwinkle88]

Hopefully somebody else (more knowledgable) will weigh in, but my take is that it's probably not significant. I think fibroscan scores can fluctuate due to how the scan is done, as in two different operators doing the scan back to back (like on the same day) might end up with slightly different scores. Also, fibroscan results can be increased if you're still digesting your last meal (as opposed to an empty stomach). And one last point is that your higher result is still in the normal range, so while it's a bit higher than your other result, it's not worrisome (IMO). And all the changes you're making to improve your health in other ways will only help keep your liver happy.

[FarahS in reply to periwinkle88]

Thank you, periwinkle88. I made sure not to have eaten anything before my scan (luckily it was a 10.45am appointment so wasn’t too bad) altho I hadn’t drunken any water so not sure if that plays apart. I guess I’m mildly worried that it’s now over 5kpa….and yes I did read that operators can differ….hoping it’s all ok time will tell.

[butterflyEi]

Fibroscan was discussed on the PBC Foundation's Q&A with Dr. Kremer yesterday. You can listen to it on "catch-up" either on the PBC Foundation's Facebook page or on PBC Foundations You Tube channel.

My last lot of bloods appeared on my NHS App within 24 hours, if you have the app maybe you can already see your results.

[FarahS in reply to butterflyEi]

hi butterflyEi,

thanks for your message. I just listened to the video you suggested and that is very reassuring so thank you!! I will watch these videos from now on.

I also downloaded the nhs app but says it does not have my patient data given my postcode area so I’ll just have to wait and see but thank you again for your helpful suggestions 🙏🏻