Summary
Summary
This study aims to identify and assess the prevalence of subjects at high risk for cirrhosis, a severe liver condition that results from long-term liver damage. Cirrhosis can lead to serious complications such as liver failure and liver cancer. Most individuals with cirrhosis have underlying conditions like chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol use disorder, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Intro:
To identify and assess the prevalence of subjects at high risk for cirrhosis, which is often caused by chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and NAFLD. Individuals with cirrhosis may develop significant complications, including liver failure and increased mortality.
Full details:
For full details on this study, please contact us at (877) 780-4333.
Assessing Cirrhosis
Assessing cirrhosis involves evaluating liver damage and its potential complications. Cirrhosis represents the advanced stage of fibrosis, where scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue, leading to impaired liver function.
Description:
Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by irreversible liver scarring and impaired liver function due to prolonged liver damage. It often results from chronic conditions such as chronic hepatitis (B or C), alcohol abuse, and NAFLD. Cirrhosis progresses through various stages and can lead to life-threatening complications such as portal hypertension, varices, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Assessment methods:
Medical history and physical examination:
Healthcare providers will evaluate the patient’s medical history, risk factors (e.g., alcohol use, chronic hepatitis infection, or metabolic conditions), and conduct a physical examination to identify signs of cirrhosis such as jaundice or an enlarged liver.
Blood tests:
Blood tests assess liver function and look for markers of liver damage, such as elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin, and clotting abnormalities. These tests help in understanding the extent of liver injury.
Imaging techniques:
Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to detect liver size, texture, and any abnormalities like nodules or increased stiffness.
Fibroscan or transient elastography: Measures liver stiffness to estimate fibrosis and cirrhosis severity.
MRI or CT: Offers detailed imaging of the liver structure to assess the extent of cirrhosis and detect any related complications.
Liver biopsy:
In certain cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to examine liver tissue under a microscope and confirm the degree of fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Non-invasive scoring systems:
Non-invasive scoring systems:
Scoring systems such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index or the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) estimate fibrosis severity using blood test results and other clinical data.
Assessment goals:
Diagnosis: Confirming cirrhosis and determining the underlying cause (e.g., viral hepatitis, alcohol use disorder).
Severity: Evaluating the degree of liver damage and scarring to understand the disease stage and guide treatment.
Complication risk: Identifying patients at higher risk of cirrhosis-related complications, such as variceal bleeding or liver cancer.
