Non-invasive Screening for Chronic Liver Diseases in the General Population A Prospective Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating non-invasive screening methods for chronic liver diseases, particularly focusing on detecting advanced liver fibrosis in the general population aged 40 years and older. The study addresses the increasing prevalence of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, aiming to improve liver disease care in primary settings by refining screening approaches. Participants who meet the criteria will first undergo a blood test to calculate the FIB-4 score, which uses age, liver enzyme levels, and platelet count to identify possible advanced fibrosis. If the FIB-4 score is higher than 1.3, participants will be offered a Fibroscan, a non-invasive scan that measures liver stiffness and aids in diagnosing chronic liver disease. This two-step approach is intended to enhance the accuracy of liver fibrosis detection without requiring invasive biopsy. During the study, participants will have assessments at the initial visit and again one month later, including blood tests, Fibroscan scans (if applicable), and questionnaires about alcohol use and medical history. Researchers will evaluate how acceptable the screening methods are to participants and analyze the prevalence of advanced fibrosis and related risk factors. The study collects demographic information and monitors outcomes to better understand liver disease screening in the community over time.

Screening for Chronic Liver Diseases in General Population