Role of serum M2BPGi levels in diagnosing significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus related fibrosis or cirrhosis is a progressive disease, ultimately resulting in end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the detection and quantification of liver fibrosis is a key factor for disease management and prognostication for an individual with HBV. Liver biopsy has been the “gold standard” for liver fibrosis staging for decades. However, liver biopsy is a costly and invasive procedure. Therefore, the growing need for alternative approach to the assessment of liver disease severity has driven the development of several non-invasive methods in order to overcome the limitations of liver biopsy. The application of these techniques in the setting of hepatitis B viral disease for both the assessment of liver fibrosis and the prediction of liver-related complications can lead to improved patient management. Both blood and imaging based approaches have advantages over liver biopsy, including minimal risks, lower cost, better patient acceptance and speed of results, while disadvantages include lower diagnostic accuracy in intermediate disease stages and variability with co-existing hepatic inflammation or steatosis.