AST to platelets ratio (APRI) as a Biomarker of liver fibrosis status in patients of chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in comparison with Fibroscan

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to correlate the AST to platelets ratio (APRI) with different stages of liver fibrosis measured by the fibroscan. Methods: The study included 40 patients. The study was conducted in outpatient clinic of Lahore General Hospital. The study duration was from November-2020 to January-2021. Their fibroscan data was collected from hepatic clinic of general hospital OPD and their AST and Platelets values were obtained retrogradely from the PACS system of hospital. Correlation between the APRI and fibroscan values was done by linear Pearson correlation test. Results: APRI values showed moderately positive correlation with increased kpa values and different stages of fibrosis (r=0.55). Similarly, the correlation coefficient of AST also shown to be moderately positive correlated with kpa values and stages of fibrosis however this correlation was slightly weak as compared to APRI values (r=0.49). The correlation coefficient (r) for platelets showed moderately negative correlation with liver fibrosis stages (r=-0.43). Conclusions: APRI levels increased as the degree of fibrosis and inflammation increased in patients suffering from chronic hep B and hep C. So, our data showed the clinical significance of APRI levels in diagnosing extent of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Keywords: AST, Platelets, APRI, fibroscan, chronic hepatitis