Prediction of hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients using serum fibrosis markers: The SHASTA index

Thomas B. Kelleher, Shruti H. Mehta, Ramakrishnan Bhaskar, Mark Sulkowski, Jacquie Astemborski, David L. Thomas, Richard E. Moore, Nezam H. Afdhal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

169 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background/Aims: To examine if serum fibrosis biomarkers could accurately identify the stage of liver disease amongst hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV co-infected patients. Methods: One hundred and thirty seven HIV/HCV co-infected persons were randomly selected from the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinic cohort. Ninety five had complete testing for fibrosis markers in sera collected at the time of liver biopsy. Biopsies were scored according to Ishak modified histological activity index (F0 no fibrosis to F6 cirrhosis). Fibrosis was evaluated against alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST to platelet ratio (APRI), albumin, total bilirubin, hyaluronic acid (HA) and YKL-40. Results: Sixty nine (73%) had no or minimal portal fibrosis (F0-2) and were compared with remaining subjects (F3-6). Fibrosis scores ≥F3 were found 27 times more often in persons with HA levels >86 ng/ml and 5.5 times more often in persons with HA levels 41-86 ng/ml. Less substantial associations were detected with levels of albumin <3.5 g/dl (OR 4.85) and AST >60 iu (OR 5.91). All 35 subjects who had favorable results of HA, albumin, and AST had minimal fibrosis (F0-2). Conclusions: Amongst HIV/HCV co-infected patients, serum testing for HA, albumin, and AST (SHASTA Index) was able to accurately stage mild and advanced fibrosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)78-84
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Hepatology
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005

Keywords

  • Co-infection
  • Fibrosis markers
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis C

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology

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