Non-invasive prediction of esophageal varices by stiffness and platelet in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cirrhosis

The pandemic spreading of obesity and diabetes makes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) the most rapidly growing cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis,1 an increasing risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma,2 and an emerging indication for liver transplantation.3 Consistent with these data, the management of patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis represents a challenge in terms of epidemiological, clinical and economic burden. In this complex picture, the diagnosis of esophageal varices (EV) and especially large (grade 2/3) EV requiring primary prophylaxis (varices needing treatment [VNT]), is of paramount prognostic importance in all patients with cirrhosis, including those with NAFLD.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - May 23, 2018 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Salvatore Petta, Giada Sebastiani, Elisabetta Bugianesi, Mauro Vigan ò, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Annalisa Berzigotti, Anna Ludovica Fracanzani, Quentin M. Anstee, Fabio Marra, Marco Barbara, Vincenza Calvaruso, Calogero Cammà, Vito Di Marco, Antonio Craxì Tags: Research Article Source Type: research