Chronic hepatitis C; "APRI score a noninvasive marker, its predictive value for determination of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis at tertiary care hospital Hyderabad/ Jamshoro"

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT The major causative factor of hepatic cirrhosis and its complications in chronic hepatitis C is due to presence of liver fibrosis. To assess prognosis and management related decisions, the exact staging of liver fibrosis is of greatest importance. Now, liver biopsy is the inexact gold standard for this purpose. APRI or AST to platelet ratio Index is the best noninvasive marker which can predict presence of fibrosis in majority of chronic hepatitis C patients without the need of biopsy. It is also cost effective and only depends on routine testing [Platelet count and serum AST]