Liver fibrosis and methods of assessment in light of chronic hepatitis delta

Abstract

Summary Objectives. Liver fibrosis is a wound healing response that causes accumulation of collagen and other extracellular proteins after an insult caused to liver or during a chronic liver disease. When left untreated, it may result in liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, which can ultimately cause organ failure and death. Material and methods. Research articles from various sources were reviewed and a sum of different methods for non-invasive assessment liver assessment were picked to put forth a constructive composite review. Results. Only two scores i.e., Baseline-event-anticipation score and Delta Fibrosis Score were found to show applicability in assessing liver fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis delta virus infection, however, further studies are required. Conclusion. Although a few non-invasive scoring methods, for assessment of liver fibrosis caused due to chronic hepatitis delta virus infection, have been put forth over the past few years, enough research and data collection is yet to be done for proper validation and use. Even though liver biopsy still remains the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis, its invasive nature does not make it feasible for all patients.