Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Measurement of Liver Stiffness Using Atomic Force Microscopy Coupled with Polarization Microscopy
10:10

Measurement of Liver Stiffness Using Atomic Force Microscopy Coupled with Polarization Microscopy

Published on: July 20, 2022

4.2K

Liver Stiffness Reference Values for Healthy Cuban Adults

Ángela Elvírez-Gutiérrez1, Marlén I Castellanos-Fernández1, Wendy Santillán-López1

  • 1Gastroenterology Institute (IGE), Havana, Cuba.

MEDICC Review
|July 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Liver stiffness in healthy Cuban adults ranges from 2.2-6.3 kPa, with a reference range of 4.2-4.6 kPa. Higher body mass index and uric acid levels correlate with increased liver stiffness.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global variations exist in reference liver stiffness values for healthy individuals.
  • Optimal cutoff values for liver stiffness differ across fibrosis stages in chronic liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the distribution of liver stiffness in Cuban adults without liver disease.
  • To investigate associations between liver stiffness and age, serum uric acid, and body mass index in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involved 110 plasma donors from Havana.
  • Liver stiffness was measured using FibroScan elastography.
  • Correlations were assessed using the Pearson coefficient, and reference ranges calculated with mean and 95% confidence intervals.

Main Results:

  • Observed liver stiffness values ranged from 2.2-6.3 kPa.
  • The reference range (95% CI) for healthy Cuban adults was 4.2-4.6 kPa (mean 4.4 kPa).
  • Positive correlations were found between liver stiffness and body mass index (r=0.255, p<0.01) and serum uric acid (r=0.266, p<0.01). No correlation with age was observed.

Conclusions:

  • The reference range for liver stiffness in healthy Cuban adults is 4.2-4.6 kPa.
  • Body mass index and serum uric acid are positively associated with liver stiffness in this population.
  • This study provides the first Cuban data on liver stiffness using FibroScan, aiding clinical practice.
Abstract

Keywords:
CubaLiver diseasediagnostic imagingelasticity imaging techniqueselastographyhepatic cirrhosishepatic fibrosisliver fibrosissonoelastographytechnology assessmenttissue elasticity imaging

More Related Videos

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

242
Author Spotlight: Advancing Hepatic Fibrosis Diagnosis Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography and AI06:09

Author Spotlight: Advancing Hepatic Fibrosis Diagnosis Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography and AI

Published on: July 21, 2023

1.5K

Related Concept Videos

Liver Physiology01:30

Liver Physiology

The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of  70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
2.2K
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
38
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
1.5K
Gross Anatomy of the Liver01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Liver

The liver, the largest gland within the human body, is a firm and reddish-brown organ. This wedge-shaped structure weighs approximately 1.5 kg and occupies a significant portion of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. It extends more to the right of the body's midline than to the left.
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is...
1.3K
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan01:25

Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
259
Liver Histology01:27

Liver Histology

The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
2.4K