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The best predictor of progression (and thus prognosis) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the degree of liver fibrosis. Although liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for assessing fibrosis, it is expensive and invasive. In this systematic review, the authors assessed the diagnostic accuracy of blood tests to identify fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients with HCV infection.
Researchers identified 172 published studies for inclusion. Study quality was rated as good, fair, or poor. Significant fibrosis was defined as an Ishak score of 3 to 6 or a Metavir stage of 2 to 4. Cirrhosis was defined as an Ishak score of 5 to 6 or a Metavir stage of 4.
Fifteen studies were rated as good, five as poor, and the rest as fair. For most blood tests…