Diagnostic Value of Adiponectin in Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases

Background and aim: A long-standing, irreversible alteration in the hepatic structure is implied by the term chronic liver diseases (CLD), which may result in complications such as cirrhosis and premature mortality. This study aimed to examine the role of serum Adiponectin in the assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases in children. Methods: This case-control study included 50 children with chronic liver diseases (CLD group) of different etiologies and 50 healthy children, age and sex matches as a control group. All the participants were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination and laboratory assessment. Serum Adiponectin was assessed using Human Adiponectin ELISA kit. Results: CLD group had statistically significant higher adiponectin compared to control group. Adiponectin was statistically significant higher in children with higher degree of fibrosis and HAI score compared to children lower degrees. Adiponectin had a statistically significant positive correlation with (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, PT, PTT, INR, APRI score, FIB-4, Child-pugh, PELD and MELD) and statistically negative correlation with (hemoglobin, platelets, albumin). At a cutoff point > 12.5 μg/mL, adiponectin could predict mild to moderate fibrosis with sensitivity 94% and specificity 98%. At a cutoff point > 29.4 μg/mL, it could detect cases with severe fibrosis with sensitivity 91% and specificity 89.9%. Conclusion: The severity of liver fibrosis in children with CLDs may be identified by adiponectin, a conceivable noninvasive biochemical marker.