The use of FibroScan® measurements, which determines liver shear elasticity, has shown to correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is characterized by loss of function and diminished blood flow through the liver. A longitudinal study was conducted at the Schiff Center for Liver Diseases at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital to identify the clinical covariates that are associated with liver disease progression. The central aim of this study is to determine whether providing FibroScan® measurements to the physician at the time of an outpatient hepatology would be useful for patient encounters and aid in the treatment plans, performance of liver biopsies, and patient follow-ups. Furthermore, follow up FibroScan® measurements will be taken to determine how the patient values change over time. This data will show whether patients are experiencing progression or regression of their liver disease as determined by liver stiffness measurements and to determine whether FibroScan® measurements, in conjunction with clinical laboratory correlates and genetic data, can be used to identify patients who are most at risk to have poor clinical outcomes and/or develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
