Pitfalls in the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis with eLIFT-FM VCTE algorithm

We read with interest the study by Boursier et al. titled “A stepwise algorithm using an at-a-glance first-line test for the non-invasive diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis” recently published in the Journal.[1] Boursier J. de Ledinghen V. Leroy V. Anty R. Francque S. Salmon D. et al. A stepwise algorithm using an at-a-glance first-line test for the non-invasive diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. J Hepatol. 2017; 66: 1158-1165 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (61) Google Scholar Using liver biopsy as reference in a cross-sectional study, the authors developed a stepwise algorithm for the detection of advanced liver fibrosis. This algorithm comprised of a first-line test called easy liver fibrosis test (eLIFT), followed by a second-line test of FibroMeter plus vibration controlled transient elastography (FMVCTE). When tested in a longitudinal cohort of 1,275 patients, the eLIFT-FMVCTE algorithm showed promising prognostic performance. This algorithm provides a potential method to extend the detection of advanced liver fibrosis to all chronic liver disease patients and to reduce unnecessary referrals of patients without significant fibrosis to hepatologists. A stepwise algorithm using an at-a-glance first-line test for the non-invasive diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosisJournal of HepatologyVol. 66Issue 6PreviewChronic liver diseases (CLD) are very common: worldwide, an estimated 160 million people have chronic hepatitis C [1], 240 million have chronic hepatitis B [2], and 25% of the general population has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [3]. CLD can lead to a progressive accumulation of fibrosis in the liver which progressively evolves to cirrhosis and its life-threatening complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver failure, variceal bleeding, or renal insufficiency. In 2012, driven by the growing worldwide burden of CLD, cirrhosis was responsible for more than 35 million years of lost life and thus became the eleventh leading cause of mortality among non-communicable diseases [4]. Full-Text PDF Reply to: “Pitfalls in the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis with eLIFT-FMVCTE algorithm” and to “Application of the new eLIFT test for the non-invasive diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis in people with type 2 diabetes”Journal of HepatologyVol. 68Issue 3PreviewScreening of advanced liver fibrosis: one step at a time Full-Text PDF