Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 2026. 1(182): 10-19. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).1019
Рrуlutska A. B., Solovyova G. A., Ostashevska V. S., Ilienko A. V., Govsіeіev D. О.
Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine

For citation: Рrуlutska AB, Solovyova GA, Ostashevska VS, Ilienko AV, Govsіeіev DО. (2026). Elastography as a screening method for fibrosis in metabolic-associated steatosis during pregnancy. Ukrainian Journal Health of Woman. 1(182): 10-19. doi: 10.15574/HW.2026.1(182).1019
Article received: Dec 16, 2025. Accepted for publication: Jan 28, 2026.

Aim – to evaluate the potential of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in the detection and staging of liver fibrosis in pregnant women with risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to optimize early diagnosis of this nosology in obstetric practice.
Materials and methods. The study involved ultrasound examination and 2D-SWE of the liver using the Samsung Medison V7 ultrasound machine in 76 pregnant women, who were divided into groups: I – 46 pregnant women with mild hepatic steatosis (main group), and II – 30 healthy pregnant women (control group). To detect and stage liver fibrosis in pregnant women, the non-invasive 2D-SWE of the liver from Samsung ((2D-SWE) S-Shearwave Imaging) method was used. This technology displays tissue elasticity in real time as a color map. By measuring the shear wave velocity, liver stiffness was quantified in kilopascals (kPa), followed by statistical analysis of the obtained results.
Results. Based on the conducted study, it was determined that in pregnant women with mild hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis is observed, the stage of which depends on both the severity and course of the diseases against which MASDL occurs (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, gestational diabetes, dyslipidemia) and their combination. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of obstetric and perinatal complications associated with this pathology, it is recommended to perform both steatometry and elastography in the early stages of pregnancy to identify a high-risk group for the development of fibrosis in MASLD, and this is the goal of our further research.
Conclusions. In pregnant women with hepatic steatosis, it is advisable to perform elastography in the early stages of pregnancy, which will allow for timely detection and staging of fibrosis in MASLD, with the determination of further rational tactics of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, thereby reducing obstetric and perinatal complications.
The study was performed in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of women was obtained for the study.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), steatometry, elastography, ultrasound examination, liver steatosis, liver fibrosis, diagnostics, pregnancy, obstetrics.

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