Diagnostic Role of Circulating miRNAs in the Grading of Chronic Hepatitis B–Related Liver Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective miRNAs are considered potential biomarkers that can be used for the grading of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)–related liver fibrosis. This meta-analysis aims to elucidate the diagnostic performance of miRNAs. Methods Databases were used to search for meta-analyses. A bivariate model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). In addition, the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results A total of 9 studies with 1159 patients with CHB-related liver fibrosis were assessed. For diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.68–0.78), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70–0.84), 3.32 (95% CI, 2.52–4.37), 0.34 (95% CI, 0.30–0.39), 9.70 (95% CI, 7.10–13.24), and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77–0.84), respectively. Conclusion miRNAs are potential biomarkers of CHB-related liver fibrosis.