FIB-4 Index Calculator
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The FIB-4 Index is a clinical tool used to estimate the level of liver fibrosis in patients. It is a non-invasive, simple calculation that helps in the assessment of liver scarring without the need for a liver biopsy.
Historical Background
Introduced as a practical approach for evaluating liver fibrosis, the FIB-4 Index has gained acceptance for its utility in the management of patients with liver diseases, especially chronic hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It uses routine laboratory values to provide an estimation of fibrosis severity.
Calculation Formula
The formula for calculating the FIB-4 Index is:
\[ \text{FIB-4} = \frac{\text{Age (years)} \times \text{AST (U/L)}}{\text{Platelets (10^9/L)} \times \sqrt{\text{ALT (U/L)}}} \]
where:
- AST is Aspartate Aminotransferase,
- ALT is Alanine Aminotransferase.
Example Calculation
For a 45-year-old patient with AST = 70 U/L, ALT = 35 U/L, and platelet count = 250 × 10^9/L:
\[ \text{FIB-4} = \frac{45 \times 70}{250 \times \sqrt{35}} \approx 1.78 \]
Importance and Usage Scenarios
The FIB-4 Index is particularly useful in the initial screening for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases. It helps in identifying patients at low or high risk of advanced fibrosis, guiding further diagnostic evaluation and management.
Common FAQs
-
What does a high FIB-4 score indicate?
- A high FIB-4 score suggests a higher likelihood of significant liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Can FIB-4 replace liver biopsy?
- While FIB-4 is a useful screening tool, it cannot entirely replace liver biopsy, especially in cases where the clinical picture is unclear or when comprehensive assessment of liver tissue is needed.
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Is FIB-4 applicable to all liver diseases?
- FIB-4 is widely used in assessing fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and NAFLD but may not be applicable or validated for all types of liver diseases.
This calculator simplifies the calculation of the FIB-4 Index, making it an accessible tool for patients and healthcare providers to estimate liver fibrosis risk without invasive procedures.