Predicting fibrosis progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients using the FAST Score: A paired biopsy study


Creative Commons License

Sariyar N., KANİ H. T., ÇELİKEL Ç., YILMAZ Y.

Hepatology Forum, vol.5, no.1, pp.33-36, 2024 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.14744/hf.2023.2023.0021
  • Journal Name: Hepatology Forum
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.33-36
  • Keywords: FibroScan-AST scor, hepatic fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-invasive scores, prognosis
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background and Aim: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of various non-invasive scores for identifying the progression of hepatic fibrosis over time in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Materials and Methods: We examined 69 patients with NAFLD who had undergone two liver biopsies at an average interval of 21.3±9.7 months. Progression and regression of fibrosis were defined as an increase or decrease of at least one stage in fibrosis between the initial and follow-up biopsies, respectively. The Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), Agile 3+, Agile 4, and FibroScan-AST (FAST) scores were calculated at the initial biopsy. Results: Comparison of paired biopsies revealed that 45% of participants (n=31) exhibited no change in fibrosis stages, 26% (n=18) experienced progression, and 29% (n=20) demonstrated regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the FAST score as the only independent predictor of progressive fibrosis, with the odds increasing by 19% (95% CI: 8–38%, p<0.05) for each unit increase in the FAST score at the initial biopsy. No independent predictors for fibrosis regression were identified. Conclusion: Higher baseline FAST scores were associated with an increased likelihood of fibrosis progression, independent of other variables. Thus, the FAST score could serve as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool for fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.