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Original Article | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 227 - 231 | India
Non-Invasive Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Sickle Cell Disease Using Shear Wave Elastography
Abstract: Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with chronic hemolysis and progressive multi-organ involvement, including hepatic injury. Early detection of liver fibrosis is essential for preventing long-term complications. Shear wave elastography is a non-invasive technique used to assess liver stiffness as a surrogate marker of fibrosis. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 50 patients with sickle cell disease. Liver stiffness was measured using shear wave elastography and expressed in kilopascals (kPa). The primary objective was to assess hepatic fibrosis based on liver stiffness measurements. Results: The mean age of participants was 18.20 ± 6.24 years. The mean liver stiffness was 6.62 ± 1.35 kPa. Fibrosis grading revealed 22.0% of patients in F0-F1 stage, 62.0% in F2 stage, and 16.0% in F3 stage. No patient was in F4 stage. Conclusion: Shear wave elastography is a reliable and effective non-invasive modality for assessing hepatic fibrosis in sickle cell disease. The high prevalence of significant fibrosis in this predominantly young, asymptomatic cohort highlights the need for routine hepatic surveillance in SCD patients. Shear wave elastography should be considered for early detection of liver involvement and timely clinical management.
Keywords: Sickle cell disease, Liver fibrosis, Shear wave elastography, Liver stiffness
How to Cite?: Dr. Dibash Bhuyan, Dr. Anup Kumar Das, Dr. Rashmi Rajkakati, Dr. PN Taye, "Non-Invasive Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Sickle Cell Disease Using Shear Wave Elastography", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 227-231, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26402154648, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26402154648