Introduction:

Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for fibrosis detection; however, non-invasive markers have recently been developed to evaluate liver fibrosis, with limited studies conducted in pediatric populations.

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between the aspartate aminotransferase-platelet index and transitional hepatic elastography as predictors of fibrosis in paediatrics patients with hepatitis C virus infection.

Patients and Methods:

This was an analytical, quasi experimental, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 8 pediatric patients.

Results:

The study population had equal distribution between sexes (50% male, 50% female). Adolescents represented 87.5% of the cohort, with a mean age of 13.62 years (range: 11-16 years; SD ± 1.68). Most patients (87.5%) were classified in Graffar social stratum IV and originated from the central region. Additionally, 87.5% had associated oncological pathologies. Aspartate Aminotransferase levels were normal in 87.5% of patients, and platelet levels were normal in 100%. HCV genotype 1b was present in 75% of cases. Fibrosis grades were distributed as follows: 50% of patients had F0 fibrosis, 12.5% F4, and 75% had an APRI score <0,5, with 25% scoring between 0.5 and 1.

Conclusion:

Transient hepatic elastography and the Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) are reliable methods for assessing fibrosis in pediatric patients with Hepatitis C Virus infection. Keywords: Hepatitis C virus, fibrosis, transition elastography, platelet APRI index.