Follow-up and estimation of NAFLD patients by FAST score using transient elastography

Abstract

We prospectively analyzed controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), liver stiffness (LS), and FibroScan-AST (FAST) scores of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 396 patients by transient elastography (TE). Informed consent was collected from 116 patients who participated in the study, and was evaluated by TE every year. Statistically important progressive factors of NAFLD patients to death, liver cirrhosis (LC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cardiovascular disease were FAST score, FAST score, body weight ratio and diabetes mellitus, respectively. The most significant determinant in NAFLD patients' progression to LC was their FAST score. Worse LS was identified in the progression to LC; thus, LS follow-up is crucial. Two patients that progressed to HCC without LC were identified.