New thesis shows that ultrasound and routine blood tests are effective tools for assessing risk and reducing mortality in liver disease

What is the main focus of your thesis?

We have evaluated the ability of various blood- and imaging-based tests to distinguish individuals at high risk of progression in chronic liver disease from those at low risk, and assessed whether screening for liver cancer has an impact on liver cancer mortality.

Which are the most important results?

We have shown that an ultrasound-based measurement of liver stiffness (elastography) can be used to assess which patients are likely to develop complications from their liver disease, regardless of its underlying cause. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that inexpensive and widely available blood tests perform just as well as newer tests in distinguishing patients at high versus low risk of severe liver disease. Finally, we have shown that screening for liver cancer is associated with reduced liver cancer mortality.

How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?

The knowledge gained from this thesis can be used to better identify individuals who are most in need of, and would benefit the most from, healthcare resources. This enables optimized care for these individuals. Moreover, by not monitoring patients at low risk of future complications from their liver disease, resources can be reallocated to other priority areas.

What are your future ambitions? 

The goal for the future is to pursue an international postdoctoral position and thereafter combine clinical work as a physician with research that has a strong clinical foundation.

Dissertation

Friday, 31 October, at 09:00, Erna Möller room in Neo, Blickagången 16, Flemingsberg.

Thesis

Non-invasive predictors of prognosis in chronic liver disease