Recent research from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveals an exciting opportunity to conduct simultaneous screenings for liver damage in type 2 diabetes patients during routine eye check-ups.
The study’s findings are published in the current edition of Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
It’s estimated that more than half of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes unknowingly suffer from steatotic liver disease, commonly known as fatty liver disease.
This condition often goes unnoticed, as early liver issues generally don’t present any symptoms.
If left unchecked, fatty liver disease can evolve into liver fibrosis, which involves scarring of the liver.
In severe cases, this can lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.
To combat this, international medical guidelines recommend screening for liver fibrosis, especially among populations at higher risk, such as those with type 2 diabetes.
Detecting liver complications at a late stage often results in a bleak prognosis. Dr. Hannes Hagström, an adjunct professor at the Department of Medicine in Huddinge and a hepatology consultant at Karolinska University Hospital, underscores the critical nature of early detection.
He points out that effective treatment options exist for steatotic liver disease with fibrosis, making timely screening essential to help diabetic patients avoid severe liver complications.
The Innovative Screening Strategy
In Sweden, there is a well-established protocol that employs retina scanning (fundus photography) to catch diabetic retinopathy early in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Building on this, Hagström and his research team investigated the feasibility of adding elastography—a quick, painless ultrasound technique lasting only 5 to 10 minutes—to assess liver fibrosis during these eye exams.
This innovative strategy aims to identify liver fibrosis in diabetic patients before it develops into more serious conditions, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The research included over 1,300 type 2 diabetes patients who not only underwent retina scanning but were also asked about their interest in liver screening via elastography.
Remarkably, 77% indicated they would welcome this combined screening approach.
The results were revealing: 15.8% of those evaluated for liver health showed signs that suggested liver fibrosis, while 5.0% displayed indicators of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
However, follow-up assessments showed a drop in these numbers to 7.4% and 2.9%, respectively.
Hagström explained that the initial findings likely contained a number of false positives, which could be partly due to patients not fasting as instructed before the first screening.
Future Implications and Collaborations
The research team plans to assess the health economic implications of this dual screening method for eye and liver diseases.
Collaborating with Capio Ögon Stockholm Globen’s eye clinic, the study has received major funding from Gilead Sciences, Pfizer, and Region Stockholm.
Through this initiative, the hope is to make significant strides in early detection and intervention for two critical health issues affecting the diabetic population.
Source: ScienceDaily