Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Medical Gastroenterology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
A month ago, I was diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis based on the fibroscan result, which was 15 kPa, liver function test, and elevated ALT, AST, and Gamma GT, which were 145 U/L, 79 U/L, and 90 U/L, respectively. These tests were conducted three times. At the time of the test, I was taking anticoagulants Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) for deep vein thrombosis. I used to binge drink to the point where I would blackout during the last year. This year I have been drinking less, and since the diagnosis, I have stopped drinking completely. I would like to have a second opinion about my state and how certain I can be that I actually have cirrhosis.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I saw the reports you have uploaded, and well, this is cirrhosis. A kPa (kilopascal) value of more than 12 is considered fibrosis or cirrhosis, and your kPa value is 15. So the current state of your liver function is assessed by some blood tests plus an ultrasound of the abdomen, which I recommend you to get. Alcoholic cirrhosis is one of those conditions where cirrhosis can actually reverse if alcohol is completely stopped. Given your alcohol intake, it will definitely make things worse for you. If you feel difficulty stopping alcohol by yourself, get help from a moderator, psychologist, or psychiatrist. They will give you medications for removing cravings and controlling withdrawal symptoms when stopping alcohol.
The blood tests that you need to go through are the following:
1) Complete blood count.
2) Total bilirubin (you did not mention this test in the current liver function tests reports).
3) Renal function tests.
4) Albumin.
5) Alfa fetoprotein.
6) Prothrombin time and INR (International Normalized Ratio).
7) Ultrasound abdomen to look for portal hypertension.
Once we have the above blood tests and your ultrasound report, I will be able to tell you your current prognosis of the condition.
I hope this helps.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I wanted to know if the 15 kPa value in the fibroscan can be ascribed to something other than cirrhosis, any temporary conditions/factors, and how accurate is it? Also, is there any room for error or misdiagnosis?
The ultrasound abdomen did not show anything unusual, but I am not sure if it has to be some specific kind that looks for portal hypertension. I have attached my blood results reports (The attachments have been removed to protect the patient's privacy)- the most recent and some older ones.
I do not have a problem with alcohol, and I was never addicted to it. I only binge drank at parties. I have not touched it for the last month and will not drink anymore. Is there any treatment that I can undergo apart from eliminating alcohol? Such as diet, pharmacology, or any procedures?
Also, if my cirrhosis can be reversed, does it mean I could live my life healthy and not die from it?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The kPa value of 15 suggests cirrhosis and does not suggest any other thing. So fibroscan is used basically when there is cirrhosis. Ultrasound may not show anything, particularly when cirrhosis is at its early stages. Portal hypertension is a complication of cirrhosis and takes years before its development. So it is possible that your ultrasound was otherwise normal. At this moment, no treatment is required, except following up with your treating doctors on a regular basis. A blood panel is required every six months and one ultrasound of the abdomen.
I hope this answers your questions.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Medical Gastroenterology
Related Questions
Ascites Due to Cirrhosis
What are the treatment options for liver cirrhosis other than a liver transplant?
I am having alcoholic cirrhosis and passing black stools. Does this imply liver failure?
I have elevated liver enzymes and gamma GT with seronegative RA. Please help.
Can you please see my liver function test results and tell me how serious this is?
Is Quinine safe in liver cirrhosis patient with low platelets?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
