Monitoring and Screening in Liver Disease 

Proactive Care for Optimal Liver Health

Why is Monitoring and Screening Important for Liver Disease?

Regular monitoring and screening are essential components of managing liver disease. These practices help detect disease progression, prevent complications, and identify liver damage or cancer at an early, treatable stage.

At Central Gastro, we offer comprehensive Monitoring and Screening Services tailored to each patient’s condition, ensuring proactive care for better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Who Needs Regular Liver Monitoring and Screening?

Monitoring and screening are recommended for individuals with:

• Chronic Liver Conditions: Such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or autoimmune hepatitis.
• Cirrhosis: From any cause, including alcohol-related liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
• Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/MASLD): Especially those with advanced fibrosis or associated metabolic syndrome.
• Metabolic or Genetic Liver Disorders: Such as hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• High Risk of Liver Cancer: Patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C.

Benefits of Monitoring and Screening

• Early Detection of Complications: Including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
• Timely Intervention: Slows disease progression and improves outcomes.
• Better Symptom Management: Identifies changes requiring immediate treatment.
• Informed Decisions: Helps guide treatment plans and lifestyle modifications.

Monitoring and Screening Services at Central Gastro

1. Blood Tests

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Assess liver enzyme levels, bilirubin, and albumin to detect liver inflammation or damage.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Monitors for anemia or clotting issues.
• Viral Markers: For patients with hepatitis B or C to track viral activity.
• Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): A tumor marker used for liver cancer screening.

2. Imaging Studies

• • Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to detect structural changes, such as fatty deposits, fibrosis, or tumors.
  • Contrast-Enhanced CT or MRI: For detailed imaging to identify liver abnormalities or confirm the presence of liver cancer.
  • FibroScan® (Transient Elastography): Measures liver stiffness to evaluate fibrosis or cirrhosis.

• UGAP for Simple Ultrasound based Liver Fat Estimation

3. Endoscopic Screening

• Endoscopy: To monitor for esophageal or gastric varices in patients with portal hypertension or cirrhosis.

4. Specialized Tests

• Liver Biopsy: In select cases, to confirm diagnosis or assess the extent of liver damage.
• Hepatic Function Panel: Provides a comprehensive view of liver performance and protein synthesis.

Screening for Liver Cancer

Patients with chronic liver disease, especially cirrhosis or hepatitis B/C, are at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Screening includes:

• Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI every 6 months for early detection.
• Blood Tests: AFP levels combined with imaging to improve accuracy.

Monitoring and Screening Frequency

The frequency of monitoring depends on the specific condition and its severity:

• Stable Chronic Liver Disease: Every 6–12 months.
• Cirrhosis or Advanced Fibrosis: Every 3–6 months, including liver cancer screening.
• Hepatitis B or C Patients: Regular blood tests and imaging based on disease activity and treatment response.

When to Seek Monitoring and Screening for Liver Disease

If you have been diagnosed with a liver condition, are at risk due to lifestyle factors or family history, or experience symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal discomfort, regular monitoring and screening are essential to protect your health.