Fibroscan Study In Relation To Liver Function Test In Cases Of Hemoglobinopathies

Introduction: Hemoglobinopathies are the most common single gene disorders. Beta-thalassemia is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide, and a high prevalence is seen in Mediterranean region, central Asia, India, and Far East countries. Recurrent ischemic insults with parenchymal necrosis can result in hepatic fibrosis, chronic liver disease, and cirrhosis. Liver biopsy has historically been the primary means to evaluate for fibrosis and monitor disease progression, but it has significant limitations. Vibration controlled transient elastrography (VCTE) utilizing fibro scan uses an ultrasound transducer probe to create an elastic shear wave through vibrations of mild amplitude and low frequency (50Hz) which are transmitted through liver tissue. Material & Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted involving patients under 18 years of age registered for treatment of haemoglobinathies in the Department of Pediatrics, of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi during June 2021 to June 2022. Result: It was observed that AST, ALT & ALP showed some progressive increase with increase in stage of fibrosis. Higher incidence of liver fibrosis was observed as patients age advances. Conclusion: Fibroscan is a recent technology which could detect the earliest changes in hepatic pathology without invasion, it is a painless technique and correlates well with changes in hepatic enzyme leading to identification of pathologic changes.