Noninvasive Test to Detect Liver Fibrosis

A noninvasive test detects liver fibrosis by measuring biologic markers associated with the development of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). The test was introduced at the meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) in Boston (MA, USA).

The test, called FIBROSpect, measures three biological markers that help doctors differentiate patients who have no liver fibrosis from patients who have significant fibrosis. This information is designed to aid doctors in making diagnostic triage and treatment decisions for patients with chronic HCV. Presently, the gold standard used to determine the extent of liver fibrosis in patients is a needle biopsy. Liver biopsies are invasive, costly, and can be associated with a number of painful or severe complications.

Chronic hepatitis C varies in its course and outcome. At one end of the spectrum are patients who have no sign of liver disease and the overall prognosis may be good. At the other end of the spectrum are patients with chronic HCV and advanced fibrosis, who may ultimately develop end-stage liver disease. The major hepatologic consequence of liver disease is the progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis, which can lead to liver cancer or the need for a liver transplant.

"FIBROSpect may help physicians determine the necessity for a liver biopsy, thereby reducing the potential for procedural complications,” said James A Schoeneck, president and CEO of Prometheus Laboratories (San Diego, CA, USA), which developed the test.






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