Risk stratification of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using a case identification pathway in primary care: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Identification of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with advanced liver fibrosis in primary care remains an unmet need. Our primary objective was to implement a pathway driven by shear wave elastography (SWE) to facilitate risk stratification of patients with NAFLD within primary care and evaluate whether SWE assessment can reduce referrals of patients with NAFLD at low risk for fibrosis to hepatology.

Methods

A multidisciplinary NAFLD clinical care pathway was codeveloped by hepatologists, radiologists and primary care physicians in Calgary to provide access to SWE-based screening of patients with NAFLD risk factors in primary care. The study outcome measures were estimated NAFLD-related referrals to the hepatology service in Calgary after im

SUBMITTER: Shaheen AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7239637 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature