Subclinical Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Idiopathic Lung Fibrosis Linked to Worse Overall Survival

Patients with idiopathic lung fibrosis (IPF) who had concomitant subclinical liver fibrosis had worse overall survival than patients with IPF without liver fibrosis, according to a study published in Internal and Emerging Medicine.

In this study, 37 patients with IPF without a documented history of liver diseases were and who underwent through hepatic transient elastography (HTE) were included.

In approximately 35% of patients, liver fibrosis was documented and associated with lower overall survival and a higher risk of death at 7 years compared to patients without liver fibrosis. There was no link found between liver stiffness and clinical-functional parameters.

A higher level of aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index was an independent predictor of survival.

The authors concluded that “further investigation aimed at clarifying the mechanisms beyond multiorgan fibrosis and its clinical implication in patients with IPF,” are needed.

Reference

Cocconcelli E, Tonelli R, Abbati G, et al. Subclinical liver fibrosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 25]. Intern Emerg Med. 2020;10.1007/s11739-020-02376-2. doi:10.1007/s11739-020-02376-2.