Our Summary

This study investigated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in analyzing liver tissue samples from patients with a type of liver disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The researchers used a machine learning (ML) model developed by PathAI to examine the tissue samples and compared its findings with those of human pathologists.

The study included 251 patients with NASH who were part of a clinical trial for a drug called semaglutide. The patients’ liver tissue samples were examined at the start of the trial and again after 72 weeks. Both the pathologists and the AI found that a higher proportion of patients taking 0.4 mg of semaglutide had an improvement in their NASH without their liver fibrosis (scarring) getting worse, compared to those taking a placebo.

While both the pathologists and the AI found similar results in terms of disease improvement, the AI was also able to detect a significant reduction in liver fibrosis in patients taking 0.4 mg of semaglutide, which was not detected by the pathologists or the AI’s categorical assessment.

In conclusion, the AI was able to reproduce the pathologists’ results and provided additional valuable information. This suggests that AI could be a useful tool in assessing the effects of treatment in diseases like NASH.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study involving artificial intelligence and liver disease?
  2. How did the findings of the artificial intelligence compare to those of the human pathologists in the study?
  3. Could artificial intelligence be used as a tool for assessing the effects of treatment in diseases like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a liver biopsy that while the procedure may sound intimidating, it is a safe and common procedure used to diagnose and monitor liver conditions. They may also explain that the results of the biopsy will help guide treatment decisions and provide valuable information about the health of their liver. Additionally, they may advise the patient to follow any pre-biopsy instructions, such as fasting before the procedure, and to discuss any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Liver biopsy is typically recommended for patients who have:

  1. Suspected liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease
  2. Abnormal liver function tests that cannot be explained by other tests or imaging studies
  3. Monitoring the progression of liver disease or the response to treatment
  4. Evaluating the extent of liver damage or fibrosis
  5. Diagnosing specific liver conditions, such as autoimmune liver disease or liver cancer.

In the case of NASH, liver biopsy is often recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of liver inflammation and fibrosis. This information can help guide treatment decisions and monitor the progression of the disease over time.

Timeline

Before liver biopsy:

  • Patient is referred for a liver biopsy by a healthcare provider after presenting with symptoms or abnormal liver function test results.
  • Patient undergoes pre-procedure testing, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
  • Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or supplements before the procedure.
  • Patient receives instructions on fasting before the procedure.

During liver biopsy:

  • Patient is positioned lying on their back or side, and the skin over the liver is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • A needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver to collect a small sample of tissue.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but it is typically well tolerated.
  • The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After liver biopsy:

  • Patient is monitored for a few hours after the procedure to check for any complications, such as bleeding or infection.
  • Patient may experience some pain or soreness at the biopsy site, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week, and the healthcare provider will discuss the findings with the patient and recommend further treatment if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a liver biopsy in diagnosing and managing NASH?

  2. How is a liver biopsy performed and what can I expect during the procedure?

  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a liver biopsy?

  4. How long does it take to receive the results of a liver biopsy?

  5. How accurate are the results of a liver biopsy in diagnosing NASH and assessing disease progression?

  6. Can AI technology, like the one used in this study, be utilized in analyzing my liver tissue samples?

  7. How does AI technology compare to human pathologists in interpreting liver tissue samples?

  8. Can AI technology provide additional insights or information that may not be detected by human pathologists?

  9. Will the use of AI technology affect the treatment plan or recommendations for managing my NASH?

  10. Are there any limitations or potential drawbacks to using AI technology in analyzing liver tissue samples for NASH?

Reference

Authors: Ratziu V, Francque S, Behling CA, Cejvanovic V, Cortez-Pinto H, Iyer JS, Krarup N, Le Q, Sejling AS, Tiniakos D, Harrison SA. Journal: Hepatology. 2024 Jul 1;80(1):173-185. doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000723. Epub 2023 Dec 19. PMID: 38112484