Non-invasive liver fibrosis scores predict mortality in Fontan circulation
A retrospective cohort study of 334 adults with Fontan circulation has demonstrated that established non-invasive biomarkers of liver disease are strong prognostic indicators. The research, published in Heart, analyzed scores including FibroSURE, APRI, FIB-4, and MELD-XI against clinical outcomes over a median follow-up of 5.6 years. The findings revealed that elevated scores for each of these biomarkers were independently associated with a significantly increased hazard of death or transplant. For instance, a FibroSURE score above the cirrhosis threshold (>0.74) was linked to a more than threefold increased hazard, highlighting the critical role of liver health in the long-term management of this complex congenital heart condition.
Why it might matter to you: This study directly connects advanced liver disease, a common comorbidity in gastroenterology and hepatology, to hard outcomes in a specific patient population. For clinicians managing patients with Fontan circulation, it validates the use of readily available, non-invasive fibrosis scores as crucial tools for risk stratification and timely intervention. It underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, where monitoring for cirrhosis and portal hypertension is integral to improving transplant-free survival.
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