Outreach screening of drug users for cirrhosis with transient elastography

ABSTRACT Aims Transient elastography (TE) is a non‐invasive sensitive tool for diagnosing cirrhosis in hospital‐based cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate TE as a screening tool for cirrhosis among drug users. Design Cross‐sectional study. Setting All treatment centres in the county of Funen, Denmark. Participants Drug users attending treatment centres during the presence of the study team. Measurements Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) by transient elastography using the Fibroscan device; blood tests for viral hepatitis, HIV infection and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels; and routine liver tests. Individuals with LSM ≥ 8 kPa were referred to the hospital for treatment evaluation. Individuals with LSM ≥ 12 kPa were recommended a liver biopsy. Findings Among 175 drug users negative for hepatitis C, 13% had LSM = 8–11.9 kPa and 4% had LSM ≥ 12 kPa; elevated LSM was associated with a body mass index (BMI) > 30. Among 128 drug users with chronic hepatitis C, 19.5% had LSM = 8–11.9 kPa and 21.1% had LSM ≥ 12 kPa (P