In a large prospective study, the significance of changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) via vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was examined in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study evaluated progression to and regression from compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) as indicated by LSM values and their association with liver-related events (LREs), such as liver-related death, liver transplant, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic decompensation. Among 1,403 participants, the study found that 29% progressed to LSM ≥10 kPa and 44% regressed to LSM <10 kPa over a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Those who progressed to LSM ≥10 kPa had a significantly higher risk of LREs (16% vs. 4%) compared to non-progressors, while those who regressed to LSM <10 kPa had a lower risk (7% vs. 32%).

The study concludes that changes in LSM over time are closely linked to the risk of liver-related events in NAFLD patients, suggesting that LSM is a valuable, non-invasive surrogate marker for assessing clinical outcomes. This highlights the potential utility of serial LSM measurements in tracking disease progression and guiding management strategies in NAFLD.

Reference: Gawrieh S, Vilar-Gomez E, Wilson LA,. Increases and decreases in liver stiffness measurement are independently associated with the risk of liver-related events in NAFLD. J Hepatol. 2024 Oct;81(4):600-608. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.008. Epub 2024 May 16. PMID: 38762169; PMCID: PMC11410523.