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The rate of advanced liver fibrosis in the community appears to be significant (16.5%) and often underdiagnosed; therefore, liver stiffness measurement is a feasible community screening tool that can be used to predict liver-related events, according to a study published in the Journal of Hepatology.
Chronic hepatitis C is a major health issue that is responsible for more than 1.34 million deaths worldwide annually. Although early identification is associated with improved survival, many patients with chronic hepatitis C infection are managed solely in primary care settings. Liver stiffness measurement (i.e., Fibroscan) is a well-validated tool for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C in tertiary and specialist centers.
Researchers found that the risk for cirrhosis was no different between the community and hospital cohorts.
“We have highlighted a gap in primary care management with a significant proportion of those with advanced fibrosis remaining undetected. Our study suggests a comprehensive community based [chronic hepatitis C] screening program is feasible and may identify those at risk of liver related events and HCC” concluded the authors.