Fibrosis scores that can be used in follow-up of after direct-acting antiviral treatment: APRI, FIB-4, King score and GUCI

Introduction Sustained virologic response in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C can be achieved with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in recent years. Monitoring virologic and histologic response to treatment is essential and noninvasive methods are preferred. In our study, we aimed to determine the regression of fibrosis following DAA treatment with serum fibrosis indices constituting a noninvasive method. Method Patients with chronic hepatitis C to whom DAA treatment is started between January 2016 and January 2018 in our clinic are evaluated retrospectively. The fibrosis scores [fibrosis 4 index (FIB-4), aminotransferase platelet ratio (APRI), Fibro QKing score, age platelet index, Goteburg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio (AAR)] are calculated with routine biochemical and hematologic tests of DAA-treated patients before treatment, at the end of treatment, and in the 12th and 24th weeks of treatment. In total, the course of seven scores calculated at four separate times including baseline was recorded and compared. Results In total 91 patients are included in the study. The average age was 51.16 +/- 13.78 and 59.3% (n = 54) of patients were women. According to the baseline FIB-4 values, the patients were grouped as cirrhotic or noncirrhotic, and 11 of them were cirrhotic (12.1%). Statistically significant regression in APRI, FIB-4, GUCI and King scores is seen in all groups regardless of their cirrhotic status, treatment experience or genotype (P < 0.001). Specified scores had a positive, significant correlation with pretreatment biopsy results [area under curve (AUC): 0.800, 0.782, 0.749 and 0.746]. Conclusion: APRI, FIB-4, GUCI and King scores that have a positive correlation with biopsy can also be used for fibrosis recovery follow-up after treatment with DAAs.