Histological status of the liver in relation to serum aminotransferase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Introduction: The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C is based on serological, biochemical and histological parameters. However, the correlation between the activity of liver enzymes and the degree of histomorphological damage may be very poor. It has been recognised that serum aminotransferase levels do not accurately reflect the extent of liver inflammation. Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the predictive value of ALT, AST levels and AST/ALT ratio compared to histological grading and staging in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Material and methods: We analysed data of 58 chronically HCV-infected adult patients who had udergone core needle liver biopsy. Results and conclusion: In our study, most patients with chronic hepatitis C manifested with only mild histological findings. Although liver enzymes levels in general corresponded with the activity of the disease, even a normal level could not exclude a serious histological liver damage. Therefore, these facts should remind the physicians to perform a liver biopsy prior to therapy (Tab. 3, Ref. 19).