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Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Mar 21, 2014; 20(11): 2854-2866
Published online Mar 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i11.2854
Table 1 Major advantages and limitations of liver biopsy and noninvasive fibrosis markers
Liver biopsyNoninvasive markers
Advantages
Validated scoring systemsAbsence of significant discomfort and risks
Differential diagnosis and associated conditionsAllows frequent re-evaluation
Simultaneous evaluation of necro-inflammationObjective interpretation
Patient acceptance
Limitations
InvasiveLow accuracy to discriminate between intermediate stages of fibrosis
High costNonspecific for the liver (biomarkers)
Sampling errors and intra- and inter-observer variabilityInfluence of several extra-hepatic factors