Prognostic Value of Ultrasound-Measured Liver and UltrasoundStiffness in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global health challenge, impacting millions and prompting extensive research into predictors of poor outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the relationship between liver stiffness (LS), evaluated using Shear Wave Elastography, and HF, with a particular focus on LS’s prognostic value concerning cardiovascular outcomes. A comprehensive search of the PUBMED database up to May 1st, 2023, identified studies linking LS to cardiovascular events in patients experiencing acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Our analysis encompassed seven studies involving 677 patients, evaluating the prognostic significance of LS in this population. The pooled results indicated that higher liver stiffness is correlated with an elevated risk of adverse cardiac events, yielding a hazard ratio of 1.07 (95% CI [1.03, 1.12]). These findings suggest that increased liver stiffness may serve as a valuable prognostic marker in patients hospitalized for HF, aiding in the identification of those at greater risk for unfavorable outcomes. Consequently, assessing liver stiffness could enhance risk stratification and inform clinical decision-making for individuals with ADHF, potentially leading to improved management strategies and patient care.