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Dynamics of Splenic Transient Elastography in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder
Mian B Khalid1, Hanna L Blaney1, Anusha Vittal1
1Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology
|September 23, 2024
Summary
Splenic stiffness measurement (SSM) can dynamically change after alcohol cessation in some patients. Improved splenic stiffness correlates with normalized platelet counts, offering a noninvasive assessment for portal hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Noninvasive diagnostics
Background:
- Splenic stiffness measurement (SSM) is an emerging noninvasive tool for assessing portal hypertension.
- Limited research exists on SSM in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in splenic stiffness in patients with alcohol use disorder undergoing treatment.
- To explore the relationship between splenic stiffness and other clinical markers.
Main Methods:
- Patients undergoing inpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder were studied.
- SSM was performed and categorized into three groups based on the degree of change.
- Liver stiffness measurement was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Patients with improved splenic stiffness showed statistically higher initial SSM compared to other groups.
- A non-statistically significant increase in liver stiffness measurement was observed in the improved SS group.
- SS demonstrated dynamic changes in a subset of patients post-alcohol cessation.
Conclusions:
- Splenic stiffness is dynamic in some patients immediately after alcohol cessation.
- Improvement in splenic stiffness is linked to the normalization of platelet count.
- SSM may serve as a valuable noninvasive marker in managing portal hypertension in alcohol use disorder.
