New Method Enhances Prediction of Liver Disease Progression

A research team from MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna has conducted a large-scale study that introduces a novel method for improved risk assessment in patients with chronic liver disease. The method focuses on repeated assessments of liver stiffness, which provide valuable insights into the severity of the disease and aid in personalized treatment strategies. The findings, published in the journal Gastroenterology, highlight the predictive power of monitoring changes in liver stiffness over time. The study's analysis demonstrated that tracking the progression of liver stiffness was a better predictor of liver decompensation risk compared to single measurements. The researchers also determined how changes in liver stiffness can be interpreted, enabling optimized, personalized treatment plans for patients. With the incidence of chronic liver disease increasing globally, this research brings valuable insights for managing the condition effectively.