
Changes in liver stiffness measurement using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography after antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Author(s) -
ShengHung Chen,
HsuehChou Lai,
I-Ping Chiang,
WenPang Su,
Chun-Cheng Lin,
Jung–Ta Kao,
PoHeng Chuang,
WeiFan Hsu,
HungWei Wang,
HungYao Chen,
GuanTarn Huang,
ChengYuan Peng
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0190455
Subject(s) - medicine , elastography , gastroenterology , transient elastography , body mass index , cirrhosis , liver fibrosis , ultrasound , radiology
Background To compare on-treatment and off-treatment parameters acquired using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography, the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods Patients received therapies based on pegylated interferon or direct-acting antiviral agents. The changes in paired patient parameters, including liver stiffness (LS) values, the FIB-4 index, and APRI, from baseline to sustained virologic response (SVR) visit (24 weeks after the end of treatment) were compared. Multiple regression models were used to identify significant factors that explained the correlations with LS, FIB-4, and APRI values and SVR. Results A total of 256 patients were included, of which 219 (85.5%) achieved SVR. The paired LS values declined significantly from baseline to SVR visit in all groups and subgroups except the nonresponder subgroup (n = 10). Body mass index ( P = 0.0062) and baseline LS ( P < 0.0001) were identified as independent factors that explained the LS declines. Likewise, the baseline FIB-4 ( P < 0.0001) and APRI ( P < 0.0001) values independently explained the declines in the FIB-4 index and APRI, respectively. Moreover, interleukin-28B polymorphisms, baseline LS, and rapid virologic response were identified as independent correlates with SVR. Conclusions Paired LS measurements in patients treated for CHC exhibited significant declines comparable to those in FIB-4 and APRI values. These declines may have correlated with the resolution of necroinflammation. Baseline LS values predicted SVR.