“In patients between 29 and 60 years of age, the second leading cause of mortality in Peru is chronic hepatic (liver) diseases, only after respiratory diseases. Therefore, identifying the severity of liver disease is the most important thing in order to establish a timely and successful treatment”, says Dr. Adelina Lozano, renowned gastroenterologist at our clinic.

What is the evaluation using Fibroscan®?

It is a non-invasive method that allows quantifying the severity of fibrosis and fat in the liver without the need for a liver biopsy.

In which cases can fibrosis of the liver occur?

It can occur in the evolution of all chronic liver diseases such as:

• Hepatitis B and C
• Fatty liver
• Cirrhosis
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Hemochromatosis
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Wilson’s disease
• Chronic alcohol hepatitis

If the severity of the fibrosis is not properly detected, the treatment cannot be modified in a timely manner.

What is the main advantage of the Fibroscan® evaluation compared to other diagnostic tests? 

The great advantage of using this method is that it is able to identify the severity of fibrosis with greater precision, if we compare it with serum analyses, which can show, for example, altered values of transaminases or platelets and not be related to any liver disease.

What is the main complication that patients who do not obtain a timely diagnosis or treatment of liver diseases can have?

The most serious risk is the progression to cirrhosis, because most patients do not have symptoms or major discomfort, delaying the diagnosis and, therefore, the treatment.

Dr. Adelina Lozano
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma