Non-invasive parameters in the assessment of liver fibrosis

Liver biopsy and histopathological evaluation are the main methods to assess liver pathology. However, liver biopsy is not widely used due to implementation challenge. We aimed to investigate non-invasive parameters for evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis B patients. A total of 65 patients who admitted to outpatient clinic and diagnosed as chronic hepatitis were included in this study. Liver puncture biopsy was performed for all patients and was evaluated according to the Modified Ishak Fibrosis Score. The patients without fibrosis or with mild and moderate fibrosis were evaluated as Group I (Stage O, I, II), the patients with advanced fibrosis were evaluated as Group II (stage III, IV, V, VI). Among 65 patients, 42 were male and 23 were female; 48 of the patients were in group I while 17 patients belonged to group II. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartat Transaminaz (AST) and Alanin Aminotransferaz (ALT) levels were significantly higher in Group II patients. In the assessment of liver fibrosis, liver biopsy remains the gold standard diagnostic method but AST, ALT, GGT, ALP parameters have contribution to this evaluation. Non-invasive testing may be useful in cases which biopsy cannot be performed or repeat biopsy required.