Rev Esp Enferm Dig
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liver disease resulting from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection follows an asymptomatic course towards cirrhosis and its complications in 20-40% of cases. Earlier studies demonstrated that advanced fibrosis is a prognostic factor. The "gold standard" for the evaluation of fibrosis grade is liver biopsy. Our group validated a predictive index - NIHCED - based on demographic, laboratory parameters, and echographic data to determine the presence of cirrhosis. ⋯ the NIHCED score predicts the presence of advanced fibrosis in an elevated percentage of patients with a need of liver biopsy.