title: Ultrasound versus biological markers in the evaluation of periportal fibrosis in human Schistosoma mansoni.
abstract: In this paper, the authors review the literature and share their experience of the principal biological markers of fibrosis for the evaluation of periportal fibrosis (PPF) caused by mansoni schistosomiasis. These biological markers are compared to diagnostic ultrasound (US) scans as means of grading PPF. We also review procollagen type I and III, collagen type IV, laminin, hyaluronic acid (HA), immunoglobulin G, platelets, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as markers of the disease. Although there are several good markers for evaluating PPF and portal hypertension, such as HA, platelets or APRI, none can yet replace US. These markers may, however, be used to identify patients at greater risk of developing advanced disease in endemic areas and determine who will need further care and US studies.
authors: Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil, 50670-901. alcoutinho@superig.com.br
authors: Ana Lúcia Coutinho
authors: AL
authors: Domingues
authors: Tibério Batista de
authors: TB
authors: Medeiros
authors: Edmundo Pessoa de Almeida
authors: EP
authors: Lopes
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology; D008109:Liver Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers