QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LIVER FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C USING SPECIAL STAINS

Background: chronic hepatitis c has a prevalence of at least 1% world wide. it is highly co-related with development of cirrhosis. the aim of this study was to make a quantitative assessment of fibrosis by using special staining methods. material and methods: this study was conducted at khyber teaching hospital peshawar, pakistan, from october 2002 to march 2003. fourteen male patients suffering from chronic hepatitis c were included in the study. they were divided into two groups, pre and post treatment. percutaneous liver biopsy was performed, processed, stained with special stains and examined under light microscope. observations were made according to the knodell histology activity index numerical scoring system of liver biopsy specimen. results: nodule formation and fatty changes were observed and graded. connective tissue (fibrosis) was noted and staged. all observations were scored according to the knodell histology activity index. conclusion: morphological study of liver in chronic hepatitis c provides a much broader and clear field for making the diagnosis and following the response to therapy