Research progress on non-invasive serum markers for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus infection associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the major causes of mortality in Chinese patients with liver diseases. Effective antiviral therapy can delay the progression of fibrosis. It is crucial to stage liver fibrosis for making therapeutic decisions. Although liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessment of fibrosis, it is invasive and limited in application. Using reliable non-invasive serum markers to evaluate liver fibrosis could reduce the need of liver biopsy. This review focuses on non-invasive serum markers for assessment of liver fibrosis. Key words: Chronic hepatitis B; Liver fibrosis; Non-invasive; Serum marker