[Role of simple noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis in qualification to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

Assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is essential for determination of prognosis, monitoring of the disease and guiding therapeutic decisions. Current gold standard for diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis is liver biopsy. Since it has several limitations and risks there is ongoing development of alternative means to assess fibrosis. In recent years intensive research in the field of noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis allowed to establish few laboratory markers, that answer some questions about severity of the disease. Among these methods there are direct indices using parameters reflecting processes of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis as well as indirect indices using widely available laboratory parameters. This review presents 9 different simple markers with an overview of their statistical performance in determining liver fibrosis and their potential role in management of patients with CHC. Despite conducting many validating studies many questions remain about their indications, accuracy and a need of validation before they are put into widespread use. Further evaluation of noninvasive methods of liver fibrosis prediction is a priority in clinical hepatology research.