Laboratory predictors of advanced fibrosis in Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis B and C.
OBJECTIVE
To identify laboratory predictors of advanced fibrosis in Saudi Arabian patients with hepatitis B and C.


METHODS
Histopathology reports were obtained on all patients who had liver biopsy in the last 5 years, and relevant laboratory data were collected.


RESULTS
A total of 328 patients (246 with hepatitis C and 82 with hepatitis B) were included. With logistic regression analysis, four factors were found to be the best predictors of fibrosis, namely, platelet count, ALT, AST and GGT levels. An equation for calculating the risk of advanced fibrosis was developed. The model had a sensitivity of 62%, a specificity of 92.4% and an overall accuracy of 84%.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet count, ALT, AST and GGT levels were found to be the best predictors of advanced fibrosis on liver biopsy in Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis B and C. An equation was developed that helps in calculating this risk.
Gastroenterology Division, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. abdoayman@hotmail.com
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