NAFLD

[Burchy50]

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with NAFLD 18 months ago without fibrosis. I have just had an elf test with the advice to take no further action if below 10.5. My score is 9.9 which comes under the severe range. Does this score mean that I now have irreversible scarring? I would be really grateful for any advice.

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Burchy

No, while it is a probability score, a 9.9 means it is very unlikely that you have advanced fibrosis. You have the NAFLD issues and like most of us you probably have some scarring but it is not advanced and not life threatening. Maintain a good lifestyle and there is every reason to be optimistic that you won't progress to fibrosis. You should be monitored going forward but it is a hopeful result.

Wayne

[Burchy50 in reply to nash2]

Hi Wayne. This is extremely helpful! So if I’ve understood correctly the score represents a risk / probability rather than a representation of actual scarring? I only had a fibroscan 18mths ago and this was normal! Is it possible to lower the score with a change of lifestyle etc do you know ?

Thank you so much for responding to me xx

[nash2 Partner in reply to Burchy50]

The liver responds well to a healthy lifestyle if you start early. Scar tissue, once formed, is very tough. Your score says it is unlikely that you have advanced fibrosis which also suggests that you have reasonable liver function and if you protect it there is every chance for you to live a normal life if you protect yourself by adopting a liver friendly lifestyle. Like any test it isn't perfect but its predictive value is quite high for absence of advanced disease.

[Burchy50 in reply to nash2]

Thanks Wayne. Could I ask one more question? Are advanced Fibrosis and cirrhosis the same or two separate stages do you know ? Thanks so much for your help 😌

[nash2 Partner in reply to Burchy50]

cirrhosis is a specific disease defined by tissue characteristics. Advanced fibrosis is generally applied to F3/F4 so has a more generalized meaning of a lot scar tissue but may not specific cirrhosis features. People find it easier to think about as well I think.