Correlation between Transient Elastography (Fibroscan®) and Ultrasonographic and Computed Tomographic Grading in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine the advantages and usefulness of transient elastography (Fibroscan®) in diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in children and adolescents compared to those of abdominal computed tomography and liver ultrasonography. Methods Forty-six children and adolescent participants aged between 6 and 16 years who underwent transient elastography (Fibroscan®) as well as liver ultrasonography or abdominal computed tomography were included. Thirty-nine participants underwent liver ultrasonography and 11 underwent computed tomography. The physical measurements, blood test results, presence of metabolic syndrome, and the degree of liver steatosis and liver fibrosis were analyzed, and their correlations with transient elastography (Fibroscan®), abdominal computed tomography, and liver ultrasonography, as well as the correlations between examinations, were analyzed. Results Thirty-six participants (78.3%) were boys, and the mean age was 12.29±2.57 years, with a mean body mass index of 27.88±4.28. In the 46 participants, the mean values for aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were 89.87±118.69 IU/L, 138.54±141.79 IU/L, and 0.77±0.61 mg/dL, respectively. Although transient elastography (Fibroscan®) and abdominal computed tomography grading had a statistically significant positive correlation with aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase values, the correlations between the results of grading performed by transient elastography (Fibroscan®), abdominal computed tomography, and liver ultrasonography were not statistically. Conclusion We confirmed that each examination was correlated with the results of some blood tests, suggesting the usefulness and possibility of diagnosis and treatment of steatohepatitis mediated by transient elastography (Fibroscan®) in the department of pediatrics.