15. Transient elastography for diagnosis of stages of hepatic fibrosis in people with alcohol dependence syndrome

Abstract

Background and Aims: The presence and progression of hepatic (liver) fibrosis into cirrhosis is a prognostic variable having impact on survival in people with alcohol dependence. Liver biopsy is generally considered the gold standard for assessing hepatic fibrosis; however, this protocol frequently carries a risk of severe complications and false-negative results. Transient elastography is a non-invasive method for assessing and staging hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was thus to determine the prevalence of various stages of liver fibrosis using Fibroscan in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. Methods: We enrolled 100 patients with alcohol dependence syndrome according to International Classification of Disease, 10th revision, diagnostic criteria for research (ICD-10 DCR) were included in the study using a cross sectional descriptive design. The evaluation was conducted using a specially designed intake proforma and tools such as Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, and ICD-10 DCR. Fibroscan and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on all patients. Fibrosis stage was assessed using the Brunt scoring system Results: Sixty-nine percent had severe alcohol dependence as per the SADQ scores. Majority of the patients (50%) did not have any liver fibrosis. The stage of fibrosis (F1–F4) was distributed among the cohort as follows: 26 patients at F1, 14 patients at F2, 7 patients at F3, and 3 patients at F4. Liver stiffness differed significantly between each fibrosis stage (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Transient elastography is a useful method for assessing liver fibrosis in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. The authors have none to declare.