Evaluating the Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Non-invasive Tests (NITs) on the Progression of Chronic Liver Disease.

Non-invasive tests (NITs) may complement and even reduce the need for liver biopsy in the diagnosis and follow up care of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). NITs either include serum biomarkers (direct or indirect) or ultrasound-based tests, including vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE), or a combination of both incorporated into several surrogate scores.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Clinically suspected chronic liver disease based on any of:

• Patient with historical liver biopsy providing histological evidence of any liver disease or,
• Patient undergoing liver biopsy for suspected chronic liver disease with biochemical and/or radiological findings consistent with liver disease or,
• Patient with clinical and radiological evidence of cirrhosis (in absence of an alternative aetiology)
• Patients with metabolic risk factors predisposing to CLD

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal or inability (lack of capacity) to give informed consent.
• Age < 18 years
• Pregnancy
• An active malignancy.
• Life expectation of < 5 years.
• Patients not meeting inclusion criteria or judged by the investigator to be unsuitable for inclusion in the study.