Dynamic changes in liver stiffness measurements using transient elastography in hemodialysis patients.

Background and aim: The impact of fluid status changes on liver stiffness measurements (LSM) using transient elastography (TE) in dialysis patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate LSM variations during hemodialysis (HD) and analyze contributing factors.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on dialysis patients at a tertiary care hospital. TE and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed at four time points: before dialysis, immediately after, the first day after, and the second day after dialysis. LSM values were compared across these time points.

Results: Seventy patients were enrolled, with two cases showing consistently extremely elevated LSM values exceeding 20 kPa, considered outliers. The mean LSM values were 7.6±7.0 kPa before dialysis, 6.12±2.94 kPa immediately after, 6.64±5.27 kPa on the first day, and 6.94±5.12 kPa on the second day after dialysis. The mean pre-HD LSM was significantly higher than immediately after and on the first day after dialysis, with mean differences of 1.54 kPa (95% CI 0.22-2.86, p=0.02) and 1.02 kPa (95% CI 0.15-1.9, p=0.02), respectively. The ultrafiltration volume positively correlated with the LSM difference pre- and post-HD (r=0.315, p=0.008). Patients with residual fluid overload had significantly higher post-HD LSM compared to euvolemic patients (p=0.003).

Conclusion: LSM values significantly decreased after dialysis and remained lower for up to 24 hours. Transient elastography should preferably be performed within 24 hours post-dialysis when the patient is in a euvolemic state.