Assessment and management of cirrhosis in people older than 16 years: summary of NICE guidance

Clinical identification of cirrhosis remains imperfect, especially in people with compensated disease who are often asymptomatic. There is considerable variation in practice across England and Wales with regard to who is tested for cirrhosis and the diagnostic tests used.1 We provide guidance to aid diagnosis of cirrhosis, referral to specialist care for those at high risk of liver decompensation before they experience a defining event, and management of people with cirrhosis, including surveillance for and treatment of complications.

Liver disease is the third most common cause of premature death in the UK. In England and Wales 60 000 people (1 in 1000) have cirrhosis, and mortality rates have increased by 400% since the 1970s.2 Liver biopsy was historically the standard test for the diagnosis of cirrhosis for all causes of liver disease. However, liver biopsy is associated with complications, such as pain and bleeding; it is an expensive test and is less acceptable to patients because of the morbidity associated with its use.3 New diagnostic technologies such as transient elastography and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging can diagnose cirrhosis with >90% sensitivity, and mean that it is now practical and acceptable to offer testing to a greater number of people.

The Guideline Development Group (GDG) believe that

• Earlier diagnosis of cirrhosis may offer more opportunity for treatments, limiting disease progression and avoiding complications.

• These recommendations—particularly early diagnosis, effective surveillance, and early access to specialist care—will …