Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis diagnosed early on with ‘traffic light’ test could help prevent liver disease. Liver disease is often symptomless, and many patients don’t even realize they have the condition until it has progressed to more advanced stages. A diagnostic method to spot liver disease early on is significant for reducing the risk of severity and complications associated with liver disease.
The Southampton Traffic Light (STL) test combines several different tests and clinical markers which are given a score that indicates a patient’s likelihood of developing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
The result are presented in three colors: Red means liver scarring and possible cirrhosis, green means no cirrhosis and low risk of death from liver disease in the next five years, and amber (yellow) implies at least a 50/50 risk of scarring and a strong possibility of death within five years.
The test was administered to over 1,000 patients, whose progress was carefully monitored to assess the accuracy of the test.
The test was found to be reliable in severe liver disease cases. It proved to be a helpful tool providing doctors with a general insight into a person’s condition.
Liver cirrhosis is diagnosed through laboratory testing, which includes tests to measure liver function and kidney function, tests to check for hepatitis, and tests to determine clotting. Imaging tests, too, are useful to determine the health of the liver and include magnetic resonance elastography or transient elastography, MRI, CT scans, and biopsy in which a sample of the liver tissue is removed and tested.
Diagnosing fibrosis can be similar to diagnosis cirrhosis, but your doctor will also look closely at your blood work and a biopsy sample to spot traces of illness. Fibrosis is rated in stages to describe its severity. Stage 0 is no fibrosis, stage 1 is an enlargement, stage 2 indicates fibrosis is extending out, stage 3 indicates bridges of fibrosis across the liver, and stage 4 is cirrhosis.
The stage of liver fibrosis will determine what kind of treatment your doctor puts you on. Unfortunately, the liver cirrhosis characteristic of stage 4 is irreversible, so parts of the liver may need to be surgically removed.
Limit or cut out alcohol: Alcohol isn’t just linked to cirrhosis, it can also play an overall role in poor liver function.
Choose a healthy diet: It can promote liver function . Steer clear of fatty, fried foods and stick with fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Red meat takes longer to break down in the liver.
Maintain a healthy weight: Some forms of liver disease, including cirrhosis, are linked to fat accumulation.
Taking the necessary steps to prevent liver disease is essential for living a healthy life.