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Liver biopsy evaluation in chronic hepatitis b infection: ‘Back to basics’ - re-visiting semi-quantitative scoring systems

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Original Article

Author Details : Aneeta Jassar*, V K Kumar

Volume : 3, Issue : 3, Year : 2018

Article Page : 124-130

https://doi.org/10.18231/2456-9267.2018.0026

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Abstract

Context: Despite advances in understanding into the pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis B, liver biopsy evaluation on H&E stained sections has stood the test of time. There is therefore, a need to re-visit the most commonly used scoring systems with an aim to look for an ideal semi-quantitative system which is objective, simple to apply and versatile enough to incorporate newer advances.
Aims: To compare various semi-quantitative scoring systems with a view to (a) look for consistency in reporting, (b) assess usefulness in follow-up and (c) recommend a scoring system that is practical and easy to apply.
Settings and Design: Chronic hepatitis B was defined as HBsAg positive status for at least six months. All liver biopsies were evaluated using semi-quantitative scoring systems viz the Knodell, Ishak’s modified HAI and Scheuer systems.
Materials and Methods: Baseline biopsies were assessed for intra- and inter-observer variation in order to find the system best suited for routine use. The observer variation was also calculated separately for portal, peri-portal and lobular inflammation as well as for fibrosis.
Statistical Analysis used: A Kappa analysis up to 95% confidence interval was done to look for statistical significance of inter- and intra-observer agreement between the three scoring systems.
Results: On multivariate Kappa analysis, it was found that both inter- and intra-observer agreement were comparable in the Knodell and Ishak systems, and was significantly better with the Scheuer system. Further, agreement was better with fibrosis than with necro-inflammatory scores.
Conclusions: The authors recommend Ishak’s modified system as it conveyed the most relevant and exhaustive information.

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis B, Ishak’s system, Knodell’s system, Liver biopsy, Scheuer system, Semi-quantitative scoring systems.

How to cite : Jassar A, Kumar V K, Liver biopsy evaluation in chronic hepatitis b infection: ‘Back to basics’ - re-visiting semi-quantitative scoring systems. IP Arch Cytol Histopathol Res 2018;3(3):124-130

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