HCV Treatments Can Cure Viral Infection, Not Necessarily Liver Disease, Advises Echosens to Emphasize Importance of Monitoring Liver Health

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Calling for greater awareness of the 300 million people worldwide who are unaware that they are living with viral hepatitis, and in support of World Hepatitis Day (WHD), July 28, 2019, Echosens, an innovative high-technology company offering the FibroScan family of products, urges increased vigilance around liver health. Studies show that liver disease accounts for approximately two million deaths per year, worldwide, and with the growing epidemics of obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is expected to grow.

“NAFLD is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease throughout the world, followed by chronic Hepatitis B and chronic Hepatitis C,” says Tom Nealon, President and CEO of the American Liver Foundation. “This places great importance on finding those who are undiagnosed and getting them the care they need.”

Ed Mena, MD., President of the California Liver Research Institute points to a recent study to understand how NAFLD impacts patients treated and cured for Hepatitis C infection.

“As expected, NAFLD identified in patients prior to treatment persisted after curing their HCV infection,” reports Mena. “Particularly concerning was that among those with NAFLD before treatment, 6.25 percent still had significant liver scarring after their HCV infection was cured. Those without liver fat before being treated did not have the same level of scarring. While more research is needed, this study reinforces the need to continue to monitor liver health in those patients who are cured of HCV infection.”

Baby boomers, the target of the CDC testing guidelines, may be especially at risk for advancing liver disease caused by NAFLD, says Mena.

Dr. Mazen Noureddin, Director, Cedars-Sinai Fatty Liver Program and author of the study, reaffirms the need for increased monitoring. “This is especially important given the silent nature of progressive liver disease. Patients are often referred to us with end stage liver disease, where there are few available options, short of liver transplantation. It is a tragic situation that could be avoided with earlier identification and intervention.”

This research further demonstrates the significant public health opportunities associated with non-invasive screening for fatty liver disease.

Laurent Sandrin, founder of Echosens, says, “The value of monitoring changes in liver disease, especially if standard follow-up care is emphasized, cannot be overstated. As part of an overall assessment, FibroScan can help to assess liver disease before it becomes symptomatic, reducing costs and improving outcomes.”

For more information about NAFLD screening and prevention, call ALF’s toll-free helpline (800-GO-LIVER) or visit www.liverfoundation.org

About Echosens

Echosens, the developer of FibroScan®, is an innovative high-technology company offering a full range of products and services supporting physicians in their assessment and management of patients with chronic liver diseases. FibroScan examinations are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans. http://www2.echosens.com/AboutFibroScan https://www.echosens.us

About California Liver Research Institute

California Liver Research Institute is a research center dedicated to the study of liver disease and looking for novel regiments to improve lives in people suffering from liver illness. https://www.caliverresearch.org/

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