Confounding factors of non-invasive tests for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Janae Wentong Wai, Charmaine Fu, Vincent Wai‐Sun Wong
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects at least 25% of the general adult population worldwide. Because only a fraction of the patients would develop liver-related complications, it is preferable to perform non-invasive tests as the initial assessment. This review summarizes the known and potential confounding factors that affect the performance of non-invasive tests of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Clinicians may apply the knowledge and exercise caution in selecting investigations and interpreting test results when confounding factors are present.
Topics & Concepts
Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseConfoundingMedicineHepatologySteatosisInternal medicineFatty liverLiver diseaseDiseasePopulationGastroenterologyEnvironmental healthLiver Disease Diagnosis and TreatmentLiver Disease and TransplantationLiver Diseases and Immunity