Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test can replace liver biopsy in detection of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients

Background: Due to hazards of liver biopsy, serum fibrosis markers have been utilized as surrogates for a liver biopsy as the Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of ELF test in assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients and compared it to liver biopsy and the transient elastography Fibroscan(TE). Subjects and methods : This study was conducted on 78 subjects divided to patients and control groups . The ?brosis was diagnosed by biopsy and fibroscan(TE) . ELF test was done using speci?cally ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay Systems. Results: ELF test values were significantly higher in patients group than control group .ELF test values were higher in significant fibrosis than mild fibrosis . Sensitivity and specificity of ELF were 86 % and 92.9 % respectively. Conclusion: ELF test has a good role in diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. Implementation of ELF test can replace liver biopsy and it can use to monitor the efficacy of treatment .The combination of TE and ELF test together give accurately assessment of liver fibrosis.