A high score on magnetic resonance elastography-detected liver stiffness in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to a near 16-fold greater risk of hepatic complications, a review shows.

Conversely, a low magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) score has “excellent” negative predictive value and could inform risk-based screening intervals, according to US researchers.

In a meta-analysis of six studies including 2000 adults (mean age 58) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), investigators examined the association between liver stiffness assessed by MRE and liver-related outcomes.

The average MRE score at baseline was 4.15kPa, and longitudinal data with a median three years’ follow-up was available for 1700 participants.