Novel Insights into Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) represents a significant global public health challenge, with patient prognosis intricately linked to the severity of liver fibrosis. This issue is particularly critical for individuals with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, as they face an elevated risk of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related mortality. Consequently, the early detection and diagnosis of liver fibrosis are imperative. Although liver biopsy (LB) is considered the gold standard for fibrosis assessment, its widespread use is constrained by its invasive nature, complexity, and low patient acceptance. In recent years, various noninvasive tests (NITs) have been developed and increasingly adopted, including abdominal ultrasound, elastography, and serologic tests. This article reviews recent advancements in noninvasive diagnostic methods for assessing liver fibrosis in CHC patients, evaluates the accuracy and reliability of these methods, and proposes individualized testing protocols tailored to patients with diverse characteristics. The objective is to assist clinicians in timely intervention and to enhance patient prognosis.