Authors' objectives: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and issues related coverage policies for the use of transient elastography (Fibroscan®) as staging method for liver fibrosis.

Authors' recommendations: There is evidence of good methodological quality from systematic reviews and meta-analysis of observational studies on diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography compared with thegold standard: biopsy. FibroScan® seems to be a potential non-invasive diagnostic method used as an alternative to liver biopsy to diagnose and stage the degree of fibrosis. It might be useful in patients with contraindications for percutaneous biopsy and to follow-up patients with fibrosis who are under treatment. However, it has several disadvantages that may limit its reproducibility such as processes which increase or decrease liver consistency (steatosis), obesity, ascites or reduced intercostal spaces, and its low accuracy to identify mild to moderate stages of fibrosis. At present, the biopsy is still the diagnostic method of choice for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: https://www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/?cod_publicacion=1498&origen_publicacion=publicaciones

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)