FAQ: What Are the Functional and Prognostic Differences Between Fibrosis F3 and F4 Patients? How Are These Patients Managed Differently?

December 2025

Thank you Madrigal for your support on this FAQ Video Module.

In this episode, Christina Hanson, NP, breaks down the key functional and prognostic differences between fibrosis stage F3 and F4, explaining how liver architecture, portal hypertension, and risk of decompensation shape patient outcomes. Learn how staging impacts mortality risk in MASLD/MASH, why accurate identification of advanced fibrosis is critical, and how management strategies differ for patients with severe fibrosis versus cirrhosis. Christina reviews how clinicians can intervene early, slow progression, and monitor for complications such as variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy, while emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying liver disease to improve long-term survival.