From www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/grade_stage.pdf

Knodell
The Knodell score or histologic activity index (HAI) is also
commonly used to stage liver disease. It a somewhat more
complex process, but some experts believe that it is a better
tool for defining the extent of liver inflammation and damage.

It is composed of four individually assigned numbers that make
up a single score. The first component (perioportal and/or
bridging necrosis) is scored 0-10. The next two components
(intralobular degeneration and portal inflammation) are scored
0-4. The combination of these three markers indicates the
amount of inflammation in the liver:
0 = no inflammation
1-4 = minimal inflammation
5-8 = mild inflammation
9-12 = moderate inflammation
13-18 = marked inflammation

The fourth component indicates the amount of scarring in
the liver and is scored from 0 (no scarring) to 4 (extensive
scarring or cirrhosis).

---end of quote---

One problem with the Knowdell score is the "total" can describe a wide range
of actual conditions. Ie: one patient can have a "10" with a significant
degree of fibrosis, while another patient can also have a "10", but have much
less fibrosis, but higher degree of inflammation.

Thus, it is more useful to look at the four underlying metrics that make up
the Knowdell score than the rolled up total. On that basis, looking at your
minimal Fibrosis score, I'd say your hepatologist had fair cause to call this
a decent biopsy result.

That said, the degree of inflammation and portal necrosis are significantly
high. If you haven't tried treatment yet, this biopsy ought to get you off the
fence and into therapy. If therapy with the current standard failed you, you
should be doing everything possible to maintain your current status in the
hope that future therapies will prove successful.

Good luck

/greyhackles

Cheers

/greyhackles