Analysis of APRI Score towards Assessing Severity of Liver Fibrosis based on Transient Elastography

Camoya Gersom2 , Bogi Pratomo1,2

1. Gastroenterohepatology Division Saiful Anwar General Hospital 2. Internal Medicine Department Saiful Anwar General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction : Although the true gold standard to the diagnosis of liver fibrosis is by biopsy, the procedure remains the least preferred choice among patients due to its invasive nature. Many approaches and methodes were introduced as alternatives. In this study, authors aimed to analyze APRI score towards assessing severity of liver fibrosis as it is measured by transient elastography.

Method : A cross sectional study was performed to 209 patients in Hepatology Unit of Saiful Anwar General Hospital in Indonesia. The inclusion criteria are patients with available lab results to measure APRI score and had been diagnosed by transient elastography. The method of analysis that the authors used was linear regression.

Result : 104 patients who met the inclusion criteria had APRI scores with positive relationship to the severity of liver fibrosis based on transient elastography. The value obtained was 0.000 which is smaller than 0.05. The result can be interpreted as APRI score variable has a significant positive effect on the severity of liver fibrosis.

Discussion : The regression analysis resulted in a positive and significant value. This result means that APRI score positively (and significantly) are in line with the result of liver fibrosis severity based on transient elastography. Therefore, APRI score may be used as a diagnostic tool before carrying out the liver fibrosis diagnostic process with transient elastography.

Conclusion : The positive value of APRI score as a diagnostic tool was calculated in a retrospective approach with secondary data. Bias analysis and prospective studies are recommended to obtain results with higher evidence level.

Keywords : APRI score, liver fibrosis, transient elastography