NAFLD Fibrosis Score
Understanding NAFLD Fibrosis Score
The NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) Fibrosis Score is a validated, non-invasive scoring system used to assess the likelihood of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. This scoring system helps identify patients who may be at higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis, potentially reducing the need for liver biopsy in up to 75% of cases.
What is the NAFLD Fibrosis Score?
The NAFLD Fibrosis Score combines six readily available parameters:
- Age
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Presence of diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance
- AST/ALT ratio
- Platelet count
- Albumin level
Score Interpretation
The score results are interpreted as follows:
- Less than -1.455: Low risk of advanced fibrosis (negative predictive value 88-93%)
- Between -1.455 and 0.675: Indeterminate risk of advanced fibrosis
- Greater than 0.675: High risk of advanced fibrosis (positive predictive value 82-90%)
Clinical Significance
Low Risk Score (< -1.455)
- Negative predictive value of up to 93% for advanced fibrosis
- May help avoid unnecessary liver biopsies in up to 75% of patients
- Regular monitoring still recommended
- Particularly accurate in ruling out advanced fibrosis across different prevalence rates (87-98% NPV)
Indeterminate Score (-1.455 to 0.675)
- Further evaluation may be needed
- Consider other non-invasive tests
- Clinical judgment important for management decisions
High Risk Score (> 0.675)
- Positive predictive value of up to 90% for advanced fibrosis
- May indicate need for:
- Hepatology referral
- Additional testing
- More intensive monitoring
When to Calculate NAFLD Fibrosis Score
Consider calculating when:
- Diagnosed with fatty liver disease
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Risk factors for NAFLD present
- Monitoring known NAFLD progression
Risk Factors for NAFLD
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle
Prevention and Management
- Weight management
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Blood sugar control
- Regular medical follow-up
- Alcohol avoidance
Clinical Applications
The NAFLD Fibrosis Score is useful for:
- Initial assessment of NAFLD patients
- Risk stratification
- Monitoring disease progression
- Guiding referral decisions
- Treatment planning
- Potentially avoiding unnecessary liver biopsies in up to 75% of patients
Start calculating now to assess liver fibrosis risk!
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