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This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

December 4, 2025Open Access

Evaluation of Platelet Parameters in Relation to Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Scores among Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients and Healthy Controls: An Exploratory Study

Key Points

Platelet parameters showed no significant intergroup differences between NAFLD patients and controls, indicating diagnostic limits of these indices.
Mean platelet volume was assessed alongside Fibrosis-4 and APRI scores, finding correlations between these metrics.
Cross-sectional analysis on 30 NAFLD patients and 30 healthy controls was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center.
Findings highlight the need for larger studies to further explore the diagnostic relevance of these scores. Once stratified by fibrosis, results may vary.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition closely linked with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Early detection of hepatic fibrosis is essential to prevent progression to cirrhosis. Platelet indices and non-invasive scoring systems such as the Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) are emerging as useful tools in this context. Aim: This study evaluates platelet parameters and scoring systems and their correlation with non-invasive fibrosis markers in NAFLD patients. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 NAFLD patients (Group A) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (Group B) at a tertiary healthcare centre. Haematological and biochemical parameters were recorded, and platelet indices (mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit PCT) were analysed. Liver stiffness was assessed by FibroScan®. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated and correlated with platelet indices and FibroScan values. Results: FibroScan scores were significantly higher in Group A compared to controls ( P < 0.001). Platelet count and indices showed no significant intergroup differences. However, APRI and FIB-4 scores negatively correlated with platelet count and PCT ( P < 0.01). A moderate positive correlation was observed between APRI and FIB-4 ( r = 0.391, P = 0.033). No significant correlation was found between FibroScan and fibrosis scores. Conclusion: APRI and FIB-4 correlated with platelet indices but not FibroScan values. Platelet indices alone did not differentiate NAFLD from controls. Larger, fibrosis-stratified studies are needed to clarify clinical relevance.

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