Reduction of liver stiffness following resolution of acute flares of chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND

Measuring liver stiffness is becoming more popular as a non-invasive tool for assessing liver fibrosis.

AIM

To assess the effect of severe hepatitis B flare on liver stiffness and determine factors that correlate with liver stiffness measurements.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with severe hepatitis B flare (ALT > 10 × upper limit of normal) were followed up for 1 year. Serial transient elastography was performed at the time of flare, 3-6, and 12 months after flare.

RESULTS

At the time of flare, the median liver stiffness was 16.8 kPa, with no patients having normal liver stiffness (<6 kPa). There was a significant decrease in liver stiffness from baseline to 3-6 months (16.8 vs. 7.9 kPa, respectively, P < 0.001), and a further smaller decline from 3-6 to 12 months (7.9 vs. 6.9 kPa, respectively, P = 0.039). By 12 months, 10 (34%) had normalized their liver stiffness. Baseline parameters which correlated with liver stiffness include bilirubin, ALT, albumin, prothrombin time and platelet levels (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Liver stiffness was increased in patients with severe hepatitis B flares, with return to near normal levels by 6 months. Transient elastography for proper assessment of liver fibrosis should be performed at least 6 months after flare.