In 2012, the CCC developed a protocol for a FibroScan sub-study. The primary objective of this sub-study was to use the FibroScan test as a method of determining liver fibrosis progression in chronic HIV and HCV co-infection. 

The FibroScan is used for evaluating changes in the liver in a completely non-invasive and painless manner, with no risk for the participants. The examination procedure consists of participants lying down on their back with their bodies in a C-shape position. The probe is placed in the intercostal space on the right lobe of the liver. High-frequency sound waves are generated and measured as they pass through the liver. The measurement is represented in pressure (kPa) and CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter – dB/m). The only requirement for an accurate reading is for participants to be fasting for 3 hours or more prior to the FibroScan. Trained operators are able to perform the FibroScan, however, the values obtained must be interpreted by a physician experienced in dealing with liver disease. 

The FibroScan sub-study was implemented in the following study recruitment sites:

      1. Site A: Oak Tree Clinic, Vancouver BC
      2. Site B: Vancouver Infectious Diseases Research and Care Centre Society, Vancouver BC
      3. Site C & K: MUHC Chronic Viral Illness Service Clinic, Montreal QC
      4. Site E: BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver BC
      5. Site F: Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina SK
      6. Site M: Hamilton Health Sciences – McMaster University Medical Centre Health Science, Hamilton ON
      7. Site Q: Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Laval, Quebec City QC
      8. Site T: Toronto General Hospital – Infectious Disease Division, Toronto ON

This sub-study has now been integrated into the CCC study and participants from the aforementioned sites get a FibroScan every 6 months during their routine follow-up visits. We are one of the few cohorts that collect longitudinal Fibroscan data. This has allowed us to demonstrate that Fibroscans are the preferred method for assessing changes in liver fibrosis over time, especially after being cured by HCV treatment. The article can be found here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32504083/ 

We continue to collect Fibroscan data to determine if we can understand the factors that will lead to improved fibrosis over time among those cured of HCV.