Fibroscan – Non-Invasive Technique to Diagnose Liver Disorders

NEW DELHI, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Device Assesses Liver Fibrosis Non-Invasively - Unlike Invasive, Painful Liver Biopsies

In the run-up to World Hepatitis Day - to be commemorated on 28 July - one of the main goals globally is to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and its causes. Despite its staggering toll on human health, hepatitis remains a largely unknown, undiagnosed and untreated group of diseases. Experts are, therefore reiterating the importance of receiving appropriate treatment through timely diagnosis to lower death rates and reduce the suffering of patients.

As part of that endeavor to reduce patient suffering novel, non-invasive techniques are today available to diagnose liver diseases. One such tool is Fibroscan - a new device that assesses liver fibrosis non-invasively, unlike a liver biopsy that is invasive and painful. Diagnosing fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis, Fibroscan has been shown to be accurate and requires no liver biopsy in this case.

"Fibrosis progression is highly unpredictable and an accurate result about the extent of damage to the patient's liver is extremely important. Fibroscan is a newer investigation modality which gives us an idea of the extent of damage to the liver. In patients with metabolic disorder like fatty liver and alcoholic liver disease, it serves as next best to biopsy as it is completely safe and non invasive," said Dr Ajay Kumar, Sr. Consultant Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

An easy-to-use tool, Fibroscan provides multiple controls for reliable, accurate and reproducible assessments of liver tissue stiffness. Apart from measuring liver stiffness, Fibroscan allows assessment of Controlled Attenuation Parameter, developed to detect liver steatosis. The only clinically validated device for non-invasive fibrosis and steatosis quantification, Fibroscan aids in decision making, enhancing both patient and practice management.

Dr S L Broor, Sr. Consultant Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, elaborated on the technique stating, "A scan that measures the 'stiffness' or 'elasticity' of the liver, Fibroscan uses an ultrasound scan to create waves and measure their speed. This tests the stiffness of the liver, indicating the extent of liver fibrosis. Although this scan is less sensitive in detecting mild or moderate liver fibrosis, it is very sensitive at ascertaining severe degree of damage. Patients having chronic liver disease in which liver biopsy cannot be done for fear of bleeding risk, Fibroscan is very useful to assess the liver damage and plan treatment."

Dr. Amitabh Dutta, Sr Consultant Gastroenterology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals added, "Hepatitis can prevent the liver from performing numerous critical functions. Some common liver disorders such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis E are caused by viruses that attack and damage the liver. It is imperative for people to fully comprehend the liver's critical role in maintaining their overall health and well-being. Until that happens, Hepatitis will continue to debilitate patients' lives and claim more victims year after year."

The Tweetinar on Twitter on Hepatitis will be conducted on 27th July 2012 from 3pm to 4pm. Experts from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals will answer queries related to Hepatitis. Follow Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals on its Twitter handle @HospitalsApollo or use the hashtag #Hepatitis101

About Apollo Hospitals:

In 1983, Dr Prathap C Reddy, the architect of Indian healthcare, launched the first corporate hospital in India, Apollo Hospitals Chennai. Over the years, Apollo Hospitals Group has grown to become Asia's foremost integrated healthcare organizations with over 8,500 beds across 54 hospitals, more than 1,200 pharmacies and over 60 primary care clinics. The Group also offers medical business process outsourcing services, health insurance services and clinical research divisions with a focus on epidemiological studies, stem cell research and genetic research. Apollo Hospitals institutionalized Quality across all its operations and 7 of the group's hospitals have been accredited by the Joint Commission International.

To develop talent for the burgeoning need of superior healthcare delivery, Apollo Hospitals Group has 11 nursing colleges and programmes for hospital management and numerous endeavours for continuing medical education and clinical research. These achievements have earned Apollo Hospitals Group several accolades, including the Centre of Excellence from the Government of India. In a rare honour, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo's contribution, the first for a healthcare organization in India.

Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan. For more than 28 years now, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology.

Apollo Hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in India and globally for advanced medical services and research and has been honoured with the trust of over 20 million patients who came from 55 countries.

For more information, please visit: www.apollohospitals.com

Primary Media Contact: Anjali Kapoor Bissell, anjali@apollohospitals.com, 91-98100-50219

Secondary Media Contact: Shailaja Vardhan, shailaja_v@apollohospitals.com, 91-98419-28877