A recent study published in the Annals of Hepatology has explored the potential of AMRA® MAsS Scan, a body-composition analysis service powered by the FDA-cleared AMRA® Profiler 4 device, in assessing muscle composition in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD).

This research is significant given the growing focus on addressing sarcopenia and frailty in ESLD patients, areas which present ongoing challenges in liver disease management.

AMRA® MAsS Scan uses a rapid neck-to-knee MRI protocol and automated analysis to provide detailed assessments of skeletal muscles and fat infiltration.

The study, conducted at Northwestern University and the University of Pittsburgh, involved 18 liver transplant candidates with ESLD. Researchers investigated whether the muscle composition data obtained through the scan correlated with traditional measures of frailty and sarcopenia in this patient group.

The findings revealed that the MAsS Scan results aligned with established parameters of physical deconditioning and visceral fat accumulation. The analysis suggested that both the quantity and quality of skeletal muscle are crucial for understanding the broader impact of chronic liver disease.

Adverse muscle composition (AMC), defined by high muscle fat infiltration and low muscle volume, was identified in 41% of participants. Those in the AMC group were more likely to have undergone a large volume paracentesis and performed poorly in functional tests, such as the six-minute walk test, compared to those without AMC, indicating a link between AMC and reduced physical function in ESLD patients.

No adverse events were recorded during the MRI scans, with the average scan time being under 15 minutes. This demonstrates that the AMRA® MAsS Scan can be safely used even in patients with severely decompensated liver disease.

The study marks the first use of the AMRA® Profiler 4 in patients with ESLD, and AMRA is continuing to explore the potential of MRI-based body composition biomarkers to aid in diagnosis.

With its recent certification under EU Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and FDA clearance, AMRA is working with clinical partners across North America and Europe to further develop its use in clinical care for ESLD and other conditions.

For more information on bringing AMRA® Profiler 4 to clinical settings, or to learn more about AMRA’s research efforts, you can contact the company directly.




Source: amramedical.com

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