088 - Bio-markers of hepatic fibrosis: a new diagnostic frontier
Autor(s): Pinzani M.
Issue: RIMeL - IJLaM, Vol. 4, N. 2, 2008 (MAF Servizi srl ed.)
Page(s): 88-92
Although liver biopsy still represents the reference standard for the evaluation of disease progression in chronic liver diseases, a distinct change in clinical practice is currently occurring and the tendency to substitute liver biopsy with surrogate measures (defined in their complex “non-invasive methods”) has grown to a level of complexity that needs clarification and guidance. Aim of this article is to provide an overview on the proposed non-invasive diagnostic methodologies, particularly serum biomarkers, and their possible integration with the standard invasive procedures for the evaluation of disease progression, i.e. liver biopsy and the measurement of portal pressure.