The Predictive Value of Fibrosis-4 Score Index for Cirrhosis-Related Complications in a Libyan Patient Cohort
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54361/LJMR.19.2.39Keywords:
Fibrosis-4 index score, platelet count, cirrhosis complications, non-invasive fibrosis scoreAbstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease, and it's considered a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Early detection of complications such as esophageal varices is critical for improving outcomes. There are non-invasive markers that can reduce the need for unnecessary invasive procedures. The Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) has shown promise in assessing liver fibrosis and predicting the risk of varices and other complications. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the utility of the Fibrosis-4 Index score as a predictor for the presence of complications (current or past) in patients with established liver cirrhosis. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted at the outpatient hepatology clinics of Benghazi Medical Center. A convenience sample of adult patients (aged 18 years and above) with an established diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was consecutively included in the study. The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index score was calculated for each patient. Results: The study included a total of 101 patients (48 (47.5%) males and 53 (52.5%) females), with liver cirrhosis. The FIB-4 Index score was evaluated in three categories: <1.45, 1.45–3.25, and >3.25. A statistically significant association was found between a FIB-4 Index score >3.25 and the overall frequency of complications (Pearson Chi-square = 7.509, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The study findings add to the existing evidence supporting the clinical utility of the FIB-4 index score (and platelet count ) as a non-invasive marker of the presence of cirrhosis complications. It's particularly reliable in predicting the presence ( cut-off value of 3.25) or absence of complications during the evaluation of liver cirrhosis patients, depending on the score value. Further work-up (e.g. endoscopy) can be restricted to patients with a high risk of having complications, thus avoiding unnecessary tests and reducing the costs.
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