Simple liver tests may predict health status of hepatitis C patients

Liver health is major concern for many people who have hepatitis C. However, a recent study published in the journal Gastroenterology indicated that a type of non-invasive liver screening called the FibroTest may be able to predict a patient's risk of death due to complications with the organ.

The researchers explained that liver stiffness is a viable indicator of health in hepatitis C patients, and evaluating this factor may allow physicians to determine the severity of liver disease early on and recommend the best means of treatment accordingly.

"Liver stiffness measurement and/or the FibroTest could replace liver biopsy for the evaluation of hepatitis C, regardless of the stage of the disease. Thus, these tools may help physicians assess prognosis early and discuss specific treatments," said lead researcher Victor de Ledinghen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.2 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C, which can be contracted through exposure to infected blood or unprotected sexual intercourse.