The defining of the reference range of liver stiffness and fat attenuation parameter for healthy Chinese children

Abstract

Aims We aimed to establish the basal reference levels of liver stiffness and accumulated fat in healthy Chinese children. Methods To obtain the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and the fat attenuation parameter (FAP) levels, the transient elastography (FibroTouch) was used in pediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years. The patients were divided into groups as follows: newborns/infants (0–2 years), preschool children (3–5 years), elementary school children (6–11 years), and adolescents/teenagers (12–18 years). The weight, height and fasting liver function tests were performed. FibroTouch and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Results The livers of 521 out of 1362 children (329 male; median age, 4.6 years; age range 0.2–17.6 years) were examined with the FibroTouch. The LSM reference range was 1.5–5.9 kPa, and the FAP reference range was 159.6–217.1 dB/m in healthy children from 0 to 18 years of age. The median LSM value was higher in males than that in females (3.5 vs. 3.2 kPa, respectively; P = 0.01). Conclusion For healthy children from 0 to 18 years in southern China, the LSM reference range was 1.5–5.9 kPa, and the FAP reference range was 159.6–217.1 dB/m. The LSM values were age-dependent in children from 3 to 18 years old, and the FAP values were age-independent in children from 0 to18 years old.

Transient Elastography Measures of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Are Associated With Body Composition Among US Adolescents

“…We found associations of total percent fat and trunk fat percent with higher CAP after adjustment for demographics and lifestyle factors, but neither fat measure remained associated with higher liver stiffness. Previous reports of CAP and liver stiffness distributions and relationships with anthropometric and DXA body composition measures in the general healthy adolescent population are limited (27‐32). A report that also used NHANES 2017–2018 data found an association of higher CAP and stiffness with increasing BMI, but did not study waist‐to‐hip ratio or DXA measures (28).…”

A novel quantitative ultrasound technique for identifying non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis

“…These two parameters have proved to be valuable for the measurement of liver fibrosis and steatosis. [14][15][16] In addition, radiofrequency (RF) raw data can be also acquired from iLivTouch for further QUS analysis. RF data can provide specific numbers related to tissue features that can increase the specificity of image findings leading to improvements in diagnostic ultrasound.…”

“…During the assessment with iLivtouch , both the ultrasound attenuation parameter (UAP) and the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) can be easily obtained. These two parameters have proved to be valuable for the measurement of liver fibrosis and steatosis 14‐16 . In addition, radiofrequency (RF) raw data can be also acquired from iLivTouch for further QUS analysis.…”