Early Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Children with Beta-thalassaemia Major: A Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatic fibrosis secondary to iron overload in beta-thalassaemia is a known complicating factor. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard; however, it is burdened with a multitude of risks, highlighting the need for ongoing studies to evaluate the risk of fibrosis using less invasive methods.
Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of non invasive liver parameters such as the Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) in detecting liver fibrosis, as well as the potential of YKL-40 (tyrosine (Y), lysine (K), leucine (L)) as an early marker of liver dysfunction by correlating it with Transient Elastography (TE) in children with beta-thalassaemia major receiving regular transfusions.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, along with the Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, at Pt. B.D. Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, Haryana, India, between January 2020 and February 2022. The study consisted of 75 paediatric patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Early markers for liver fibrosis were evaluated using serum YKL-40 levels, APRI, and FIB-4 scores, which were then compared to fibrosis scores obtained from TE. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.71±2.54 {mean±Standard Deviation (SD)}…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 75 participants or records.
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