Are Sequential Transient Elastography Measurements Prognostic in NAFLD with Advanced Fibrosis?

Transient elastography (TE) measurement can diagnose fibrosis stage noninvasively in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To assess whether it can also predict liver-related outcomes and survival in those with advanced fibrosis, investigators conducted a retrospective study in 1039 patients with NAFLD and stage 3 or 4 fibrosis established by histology or TE measurement (>10 kPa) who were followed for at least 6 months.

TE measurements were taken at baseline, and follow-up TE measurements (available in 533 patients) were taken within 1 year before the last day of study follow-up. Improvement was defined as >20% reduction in TE value from baseline, worsening was defined as >20% increase from baseline, and stability as change…