Predictors Of Hepatic Steatosis Research Articles

Prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis among HIV patients with and without chronic hepatitis C

Background and purpose of the studyHepatic steatosis (HS) is a common and important histologic finding in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, little is known about this finding in HCV patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Purpose of the studyTo evaluate the prevalence and predictors of HS among HIV patients with and without HCV.MethodsA cross-sectional including 47 HIV mono-infected and 50 HIV/HCV patients. Detailed demographic, laboratory and clinical data were collected. A transient elastography (TE) examination with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was performed for all patients. Steatosis was scored on a scale from 0 to 3 according to the percentage of steatosis involving hepatocytes.ResultsHS was detected in 18 /50 (36%) HIV/HCV co-infected patients and 22 /47 (46.8%) HIV mono-infected patients. In addition, HCV mono-infected patients were more likely to have grade 2 steatosis as compared with HIV/HCV co-infected individuals (25.5% vs. 12%). LSM was significantly higher among HIV/HCV co-infected patients (p = 0.003). When dividing HIV/HCV co-infected and HIV mono-infected group according to CAP values. BMI, abdominal wall thickness, and bright liver were significantly associated with SHS (CAP ≥ 238 dB/m) in both groups. Diabetes was only significantly associated with SHS in HIV/HCV co-infected group BMI was the only independent predictor of SHS among the whole group and subgroup analysis.ConclusionThe prevalence of HS was lower in HIV/HCV co-infected patients compared to HIV mono-infected patients; we cannot say that HCV has a protective role against HS in co-infected patients. More fibrosis progression was common in the HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

Soluble CD46 as a diagnostic marker of hepatic steatosis

The increasing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) incurs substantial morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Detection and clinical intervention at early stages of disease improves prognosis; however, we are currently limited by a lack of reliable diagnostic tests for population screening and monitoring responses to therapy. To address this unmet need, we investigated human invariant Natural Killer T cell (iNKT) activation by fat-loaded hepatocytes, leading to the discovery that circulating soluble CD46 (sCD46) levels accurately predict hepatic steatosis. sCD46 in plasma was measured using a newly developed immuno-competition assay in two independent cohorts: Prospective living liver donors (n=156; male=66, female=90) and patients with liver tumours (n=91; male=58, female=33). sCD46 levels were statistically evaluated as a predictor of hepatic steatosis. Interleukin-4-secreting (IL-4+) iNKT cells were over-represented amongst intrahepatic lymphocytes isolated from resected human liver samples. IL-4+ iNKT cells preferentially developed in cocultures with a fat-loaded, hepatocyte-like cell line, HepaRG. This was attributed to induction of matrix metalloproteases (MMP) in fat-loaded HepaRG cells and primary human liver organoids, which led to indiscriminate cleavage of immune receptors. Loss of cell-surface CD46 resulted in unrepressed differentiation of IL-4+ iNKT cells. sCD46 levels were elevated in patients with hepatic steatosis. Discriminatory cut-off values for plasma sCD46 were found that accurately classified patients according to histological steatosis grade. sCD46 is a reliable clinical marker of hepatic steatosis, which can be conveniently and non-invasively measured in serum and plasma samples, raising the possibility of using sCD46 levels as a diagnostic method for detecting or grading hepatic steatosis. F.B. was supported by the Else Kröner Foundation (Award 2016_kolleg.14). G.G. was supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for Immuno-Oncology (Award FA-19-009). N.S. was supported by a Wellcome Trust Fellowship (211113/A/18/Z). J.A.H. received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Award 860003). J.M.W. received funding from the Else Kröner Foundation (Award 2015_A10).

Validation of fatty liver index as a predictor of hepatic steatosis in Asian populations: Impact of alcohol consumption and sex.

This study was undertaken to investigate the utility of the fatty liver index (FLI) as a noninvasive tool for predicting hepatic steatosis based on alcohol consumption and sex in a large Asian population. We carried out a single-center observational cohort study at the HITO Medical Center in Japan and enrolled 1976 Asian subjects. The subjects were categorized into nondrinkers and light drinkers (0-19g/day) and moderate drinkers (20-59g/day) based on their self-reported alcohol intake. We used physical examinations, laboratory tests, and a questionnaire to collect information on various factors related to the FLI, including body mass index, waist circumference, and levels of γ-glutamyl transferase and triglycerides. The diagnostic accuracy of the FLI was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and optimal cut-off values were determined using Youden's index. The FLI had an acceptable performance index of >0.7 both overall and in all subgroups, with an overall AUROC of 0.844. The AUROCs were higher in women and moderate drinkers of both sexes. We also compared the cut-off values obtained in the present study with the previously reported values of 30 and 60. Optimal cut-off values for the FLI were calculated for the total population and subgroups and were found to differ from the previously established values in other countries. Our study suggests that the FLI is a useful noninvasive marker for predicting hepatic steatosis in a large Asian population, irrespective of alcohol consumption and sex.

FRI-491 - Pattern of transient elastography in Egyptian people living with HIV: predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis

FRI-491 - Pattern of transient elastography in Egyptian people living with HIV: predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis

Prevalence and risk factors of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with significant fibrosis in people with HIV.

Objective:Metabolic risk factors and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV (PWH) have been increasing. Patients exhibiting the inflammatory subtype nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are at increased risk of liver-related complications. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the prevalence of NASH with significant fibrosis in PWH using noninvasive tests (NITs).Design:In this prospectively enrolling cohort study, 282 PWH were explored for hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and steatohepatitis using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and the Fibroscan-AST (FAST) score.Methods:On the basis of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP; dB/m) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM; kPa), patients were categorized according to the presence of steatosis (≥275 dB/m) and significant fibrosis (≥8.2 kPa). The FAST score was calculated according to established cut-offs.Results:The prevalence of hepatic steatosis in this cohort was 35.5% (n = 100) with 75 (75%) of these patients fulfilling the criteria of NAFLD. The prevalence of significant fibrosis (≥ F2) was 6.7% (n = 19). The FAST score identified a total of 32 (12.3%) patients with a cut-off greater than 0.35, of whom 28 (87.5%) PWH qualified as NASH. On multivariable analysis, waist circumference was a predictor of hepatic steatosis and type 2 diabetes was a predictor of significant fibrosis. Type 2 diabetes and ALT remained independent predictors of a FAST score greater than 0.35.Conclusion:NASH with significant fibrosis is highly prevalent among PWH. The FAST score may be helpful to identify patients at risk for significant liver disease.

Trends in the Racial and Ethnic Disparity and Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis: Data From NHANES III and NHANES 2017–2018

Abstract Hepatic steatosis is a serious problem worldwide and it affects Hispanics at a higher rate than Blacks. This disparity is an important public health problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend in the racial/ethnic disparity of hepatic steatosis among a representative sample of the U.S. adult ≥20 years old in two time-periods. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) and NHANES 2017–2018 were analyzed. The sample size in the two respective cycles was 13,910 and 5,492 respectively. Hepatic steatosis in NHANES III was diagnosed using ultrasound while in NHANES 2017–2018, fibroscan was used. We analyzed the data using bivariate Chi square, and multiple logistic regression to adjusting for confounding variables and considering the design and sample weights. In both time-periods, Mexican American had the highest prevalence of hepatic steatosis (28% in NHANES III and 43% in NHANES 2017–2018) compared to the other racial/ethnic groups (p<0.05). In the adjusted logistic regression model, relative to the white population, Mexican-Americans had 40% higher odds of hepatic steatosis in NHANES III (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.4, 95% confidence level [CL]=1.1–1.9, p<0.05) and 200% higher odds of hepatic steatosis in NHANES 2017–2018 (AOR=2.0, 95% CL=1.3–3.1, p<0.05). The common predictors of hepatic steatosis in the two time periods were gender, high waist-to-hip ratio, borderline and high levels of triglyceride, and prediabetes and diabetes as diagnosed by HbA1c (p<0.05). For CRP, independent of the method used, mild and significant inflammation were predictors of hepatic steatosis (p<0.05). In NHANES 2017–2018, participants ≥ 65 years (compared to 20–34 years of age) and Blacks (relative to Whites) had a lower chance of hepatic steatosis in the adjusted regression model (p<0.05), and those inactive (relative to those who met the physical activity guideline) had a higher chance of hepatic steatosis (p<0.05). The increased prevalence of hepatic steatosis in 2017–2018 compared to 1988–1994, may be related to the obesity epidemic, although differences in methodological factors may also play a role. Our study indicated that the racial/ethnic disparity in hepatic steatosis especially among Mexican American persisted over time. Future work is needed to explore the persistence of the racial/ethnic disparity of hepatic steatosis and its underlying mechanisms.

The Impact of Vitamin D in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study in Patients with Morbid Obesity.

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the association between vitamin D status and hepatic function parameters and scores: Fatty Liver Index (FLI, predictor of hepatic steatosis) and BARD (BMI, AST/ALT ratio and DM, predictor of hepatic fibrosis) in patients with morbid obesity.Patients and MethodsCross-sectional study including patients with morbid obesity followed in our centre between January 2010 and July 2018. Patients with missing vitamin D levels or hepatic profile parameters were excluded. We divided the population according to two cut-offs of vitamin D levels (12ng/mL and 20ng/mL).ResultsThe included population (n=1124) had an average age of 43.3±10.7 years and 84.3% were female. Seventy-point eight percent of the population had vitamin D levels lower than 20ng/mL and 34.8% lower than 12ng/dL. Patients with lower vitamin D levels (<12ng/mL) had higher BMI, hip and waist circumferences and higher prevalence of hypertension. Higher FLI scores [OR= 0.77 (0.07), p<0.01] and ALP levels [β= −0.03 (−0.06, −0.01), p<0.01] associated to lower vitamin D levels.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of hepatic steatosis in individuals with morbid obesity. Correction of vitamin D deficiency may have a beneficial role in the management of NAFLD in patients with morbid obesity.

Thyroid Function and the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Morbid Obesity.

BackgroundAn association between hypothyroidism and the risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. This association remains to be elucidated in patients with morbid obesity.AimTo evaluate the association between thyroid function and parameters of liver function and hepatic scores in patients with morbid obesity.MethodsPatients with morbid obesity followed in our center between January 2010 and July 2018 were included. The ones without evaluation of liver and thyroid functions were excluded. Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and BARD scores were used as predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, respectively.ResultsWe observed a positive association between TSH and both BARD (OR 1.14; p = 0.035) and FLI (OR 1.19; p = 0.010) in the unadjusted analysis. We found a negative association between free triiodothyronine levels and BARD (OR 0.70; p<0.01) and a positive association between free triiodothyronine levels and FLI (OR 1.48; p = 0.022). Concerning liver function, we found a positive association between total bilirubin and free thyroxine levels (β = 0.18 [0.02 to 0.35]; p = 0.033) and a negative association between total bilirubin and free triiodothyronine levels (β = −0.07 [−0.14 to −0.002]; p = 0.042).ConclusionHigher levels of TSH and free triiodothyronine may be associated with a higher risk of NAFLD, particularly steatosis, in patients with morbid obesity.

MON-592 The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Morbidly Obese Patients

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with obesity, and the prevalence of both diseases is increasing notably. The lack of effective treatment options for NAFLD is leading to a great consideration towards the identification of new approaches. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the change one year after bariatric surgery of parameters of hepatic function and in the hepatic scores, Fatty Liver Index (FLI, predictor of hepatic steatosis), and BARD, BMI, AST/ALT ratio and DM, (predictor of hepatic fibrosis). Methods: Observational retrospective cohort study in morbidly obese patients that underwent bariatric surgery between January 2010 and July 2018. We excluded patients missing hepatic function parameters before or one year after the surgical procedure. We used two linear regression models: 1) unadjusted; 2) adjusted for surgery type (gastric sleeve, gastric band and gastric bypass), sex, age, body mass index, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Results: The included population (n=1955) had an average age of 43.1±10 years and 85.8% were female. We observed a relevant decrease in transaminases (pre-operative AST and ALT, 24.8±12.4 and 29.5±19.5U/L, vs 22.4 ± 11.1 and 22.2±14.7 post-operatively, respectively, p<0.01) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (36.9±35.4 vs 21.4±22.0U/L, p<0.01), and an increase in alkaline phosphatase (77.8±23.5 vs 80.8±25.4U/L, p<0.01) and total bilirubin (0.56±0.23 vs 0.68±0.24mg/dL, p<0.01). Both FLI and BARD markedly decrease one year after surgery (p<0.01). Comparing the surgical procedures, gastric sleeve was associated with a greater reduction of hepatic enzymes and of both FLI and BARD comparing with gastric band. Comparing with gastric bypass, sleeve was associated with a greater reduction of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, but a smaller reduction of FLI and BARD. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction of the hepatic enzymes and an improvement of FLI and BARD. Bariatric surgery may represent an effective therapeutic approach to NAFLD.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Hepatic Function and Predictors of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis.

To evaluate the variation in parameters of hepatic function and in the scores Fatty Liver Index (FLI; predictor of hepatic steatosis) and BARD (BMI, AST/ALT ratio and DM, predictor of hepatic fibrosis), 1year after bariatric surgery. This is a observational retrospective cohort study in patients with morbid obesity that underwent bariatric surgery in our centre. We used two linear regression models: (1) unadjusted and (2) adjusted for surgery type, sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. The included population (n = 1955) had an average age of 43.1 ± 10years and 85.8% were female. Diabetes was present in 32.4% of the patients, 45.1% had dyslipidaemia, and 62.2% had hypertension. Twelve percent were submitted to gastric band, 29.6% to sleeve gastrectomy, and 58.4% to gastric bypass. We observed a relevant decrease in transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. Both FLI and BARD markedly decrease 1year after surgery (p < 0.01). Comparing the surgical procedures, sleeve gastrectomy was associated with a greater reduction of hepatic enzymes and of both FLI and BARD compared with gastric band. Comparing with gastric bypass, sleeve was associated with a greater reduction of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, but a smaller reduction of FLI and BARD. Bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction of the hepatic enzymes and an improvement of FLI and BARD. It may represent an effective therapeutic approach for NAFLD.

Body Mass Index and Unenhanced CT as a Predictor of Hepatic Steatosis in Potential Liver Donors

BackgroundIn living-donor liver transplantation, donor hepatic steatosis is crucial for both the donor and the recipient. Body mass index (BMI) and the unenhanced computed tomography liver attenuation index (CT LAI) are noninvasive methods to predict hepatic steatosis in living-donor liver candidates. AimTo analyze the diagnostic accuracy of CT LAI in conjunction with different BMI values for macrovesicular steatosis in living-donor liver candidates. MethodsA total of 264 potential liver donors were included. The diagnostic accuracy of 2 CT LAI cut-offs and 3 BMI cut-off values for the assessment of hepatic steatosis ≥15% and ≤5% was determined. ResultsUsing CT LAI, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.89–0.99) for hepatic steatosis ≥15% in donors with BMI <25 kg/m2. For detecting hepatic steatosis ≥15%, a CT LAI ≤0 had specificities of 100%, 76.2%, and 55.6% and positive predictive values of 100%, 95.5%, and 93.5% for patients with BMI values <25 kg/m2, 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. According to logistic regression analyses, only CT LAI ≤0 was found to be independently associated with hepatic steatosis ≥15%. ConclusionsIn donors with BMI <30 kg/m2 and a CT LAI value >6, liver biopsy might be avoided. Biopsy may be reserved solely for donors with CT LAI value >0 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 as the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography for predicting hepatic steatosis decreases with increasing BMI.

Prevalence and Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis in Patients with HIV/HCV Coinfection and the Impact of HCV Eradication.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced metabolic abnormalities and antiretroviral therapy (ART), genetic factors, most importantly the rs738409 C > G p.I148M variant in the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3)-gene, as well as hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection may all cause hepatic steatosis (HS). However, recent studies suggest a protective effect of HCV infection on HS. Thus, we evaluated HS prior and after HCV eradication in an HIV/HCV-coinfected cohort at the Medical University of Vienna between January 2014 and June 2017. Two hundred forty-seven patients underwent liver stiffness measurement and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)-based steatosis assessment. A subcohort of 138 patients also had follow-up CAP measurement after HCV eradication by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). A CAP value ≥248 dB/m defined HS and all CAP values were adapted to compensate for body mass index (BMI) and diabetes mellitus. Among all 247 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, HS was prevalent in 31%, mean age was 43.3 years, 75% were male, the main ethnicity was Caucasian (96%), and mean BMI was 23.33 kg/m2. Independent risk factors for HS were BMI, years exposed to HIV, PNPLA3 G-alleles, and protease inhibitor (PI) intake. Notably, a significant increase in CAP (from 225 ± 52.9 to 235 ± 50.7 dB/m; p = 0.047) was observed after HCV eradication, whereas patients on PI-containing ART experienced a significant decrease in CAP. Overall, one-third of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients are affected by HS with PI-based ART and PNPLA3 impacting on HS prevalence. While HCV eradication by DAAs increased HS, as assessed by CAP, future studies should account for metabolic syndrome and evaluate whether changes in CAP-based steatosis assessments correspond to a clinically relevant outcome.

Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis in Potential Deceased Adult Liver Donors

Predictors of Hepatic Steatosis in Potential Deceased Adult Liver Donors

Genetic and hormonal control of hepatic steatosis in female and male mice

The etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is complex and influenced by factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and sex. We now report a study on sex difference in hepatic steatosis in the context of genetic variation using a population of inbred strains of mice. While male mice generally exhibited higher concentration of hepatic TG levels on a high-fat high-sucrose diet, sex differences showed extensive interaction with genetic variation. Differences in percentage body fat were the best predictor of hepatic steatosis among the strains and explained about 30% of the variation in both sexes. The difference in percent gonadal fat and HDL explained 9.6% and 6.7% of the difference in hepatic TGs between the sexes, respectively. Genome-wide association mapping of hepatic TG revealed some striking differences in genetic control of hepatic steatosis between females and males. Gonadectomy increased the hepatic TG to body fat percentage ratio among male, but not female, mice. Our data suggest that the difference between the sexes in hepatic TG can be partly explained by differences in body fat distribution, plasma HDL, and genetic regulation. Future studies are required to understand the molecular interactions between sex, genetics, and the environment.

Liver test abnormalities in patients with HIV mono-infection: assessment with simple noninvasive fibrosis markers.

BackgroundPatients with HIV mono-infection may develop chronic liver disease due to a number of factors including hepatic steatosis. We estimated the prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a cohort of HIV-mono-infected patients with persistently deranged liver function tests.MethodsOf 2398 consecutive patients at one UK clinical center, 156 (6.5%) had persistently abnormal transaminases in at least two measurements six months apart. We used APRI and FIB4 scores to determine the presence of significant and/or advanced fibrosis in this group as well as its potential associations.ResultsMean age was 47.5±8.5 years and 91% (142/156) were males. Diabetes mellitus was present in 11% of patients; hypertension in 18%; and dyslipidemia in 52%. Almost all were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (97%) and most were virologically suppressed (94%). Steatosis was detected by ultrasound in 71% of patients. The prevalence of FIB4≤1.45, 1.46-3.24 and >3.25 was 67%, 29% and 4%, respectively, and that of APRI≤0.5, 0.51-1.49 and >1.5 was 52%, 45% and 3% respectively. In multivariate analysis, only cumulative ART exposure was associated with FIB4>1.45 (odds ratio [OR] 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.016), while APRI>0.5 was associated with higher alanine aminotransferase levels (OR 1.033, 95%CI 1.015-1.510). Twenty patients had a liver biopsy, of whom 13 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).ConclusionsElevated transaminases are often present in HIV-mono-infected patients and this may be associated with NAFLD and/or ART. Non-invasive screening for the presence of NAFLD and fibrosis in all HIV-mono-infected patients as part of their routine clinical management should be further explored.

Hepatic chemerin mRNA in morbidly obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate hepatic chemerin mRNA, serum chemerin concentration, and immunohistochemical staining for chemerin and and chemokine receptor-like 1 (CMKLR1) in hepatic tissue in 56 morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to search for a relationship with metabolic and histopathological features. Chemerin mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, chemerin, and CMKLR1 immunohistochemical expression with specific antibodies, while serum chemerin concentration was assessed with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum chemerin concentration reached 874.1 ±234.6 ng/ml. There was no difference in serum chemerin levels between patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2. Serum chemerin concentration tended to be higher in patients with hepatocyte ballooning, greater extent of steatosis, and definite nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver chemerin mRNA was observed in all included patients and was markedly, but insignificantly, higher in those with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, hepatocyte ballooning, greater extent of steatosis, and definite NASH. Hepatic chemerin mRNA might be a predictor of hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and NAFLD activity score (NAS) but seemed not to be a primary driver regulating liver necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. The lack of association between serum chemerin and hepatic chemerin mRNA may suggest that adipose tissue but not the liver is the main source of chemerin in morbidly obese women.

Prevalence and predictors of liver steatosis and fibrosis in unselected patients with HIV mono-infection

ObjectivesSignificant liver disease may develop in HIV mono-infected patients, usually associated with fatty liver and/or cART exposure. We estimated the prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis as assessed by ultrasound and transient elastography (TE). MethodsWe enrolled 125 consecutive HIV mono-infected patients who underwent ultrasound and TE. Clinical, biochemical, immunological, virological features and medication history were analysed. ResultsMean age was 39.5±10.3years and 91% were male. Metabolic syndrome (MS) was present in 9.8%, diabetes in 5.6%, hypertension in 9.7%, dyslipidemia in 32.8%. Increased AST and ALT were found in 5.6% and 16.8% respectively. Eighty-five (68%) patients were on cART (median length of treatment of 3 years, IQR 0–17). Hepatic steatosis was detected in 61 (55%) patients and was independently associated with male sex (OR 14.6, 95% CI 1.44–148.17), age (OR 1.082, 95% CI 1.01–1.16), HOMA (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.101–5.96) and GGT (OR 1.037, 95% CI 1.007–1.075). Significant fibrosis (stiffness>7.4kPa) was present in 22 patients (17.6%) and was significantly associated with MS (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.001–16.09). ConclusionsLiver fibrosis can develop in asymptomatic HIV mono-infected patients. This is likely associated with NAFLD and usually manifests with normal transaminases. Non-invasive screening for the presence of NAFLD and fibrosis should be considered in the routine care of such patients.

Incidence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by serum biomarkers in a large cohort of human immunodeficiency virus mono-infected patients.

Background. Longitudinal data on liver disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mono-infection are scarce. We used noninvasive serum biomarkers to study incidence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.Methods. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by hepatic steatosis index ≥36. Advanced liver fibrosis was diagnosed by fibrosis-4 index >3.25. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate incidences. Cox regression analysis was used to explore predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis development.Results. In this retrospective observational study, 796 consecutive HIV mono-infected patients were observed for a median of 4.9 (interquartile range, 2.2–6.4) years. Incidence of hepatic steatosis was 6.9 of 100 per person-years (PY) (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.9–7.9). Incidence of advanced liver fibrosis was 0.9 of 100 PY (95% CI, 0.6–1.3). Development of hepatic steatosis was predicted by black ethnicity (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.58–3; P < .001) and lower albumin (aHR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.97; P < .001). Development of advanced liver fibrosis was predicted by higher glucose (aHR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.2–1.3; P < .001) and lower albumin (aHR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84–0.93; P < .001).Conclusions. Incident hepatic steatosis is frequent in HIV mono-infected patients, particularly in those of black ethnicity. These patients can also develop advanced liver fibrosis. Identification of at-risk individuals can help early initiation of hepatological monitoring and interventions, such as targeting euglycemia.

Biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators as predictors of hepatic steatosis in obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and to assess the performance of biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators for hepatic steatosis in obese teenagers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 79 adolecents aged from ten to 18 years old. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound in case of moderate or intense hepatorenal contrast and/or a difference in the histogram ≥7 on the right kidney cortex. The insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index for values >3.16. Anthropometric and body composition indicators consisted of body mass index, body fat percentage, abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat. Fasting glycemia and insulin, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, were also evaluated. In order to assess the performance of these indicators in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in teenagers, a ROC curve analysis was applied. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was found in 20% of the patients and insulin resistance, in 29%. Gamma-glutamyltransferase and HOMA-IR were good indicators for predicting hepatic steatosis, with a cutoff of 1.06 times above the reference value for gamma-glutamyltransferase and 3.28 times for the HOMA-IR. The anthropometric indicators, the body fat percentage, the lipid profile, the glycemia and the aspartate aminotransferase did not present significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high gamma-glutamyltransferase level and/or HOMA-IR should be submitted to abdominal ultrasound examination due to the increased chance of having hepatic steatosis.

Predicting Hepatic Steatosis in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Cohort of Adolescent Girls

To develop a risk assessment model for early detection of hepatic steatosis using common anthropometric and metabolic markers. This was a cross-sectional study of 134 adolescent and young adult females, age 11-22 years (mean 13.3±2 years) from a middle school and clinics in Madison, Wisconsin. The ethnic distribution was 27% Hispanic and 73% non-Hispanic; the racial distribution was 64% Caucasian, 31% African-American, and 5% Asian, Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and other metabolic markers were assessed. Hepatic fat was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MR-PDFF). Hepatic steatosis was defined as MR-PDFF>5.5%. Outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of BMI, WC, ALT, fasting insulin, and ethnicity as predictors of hepatic steatosis, individually and combined, in a risk assessment model. Classification and regression tree methodology was used to construct a decision tree for predicting hepatic steatosis. MR-PDFF revealed hepatic steatosis in 16% of subjects (27% overweight, 3% nonoverweight). Hispanic ethnicity conferred an OR of 4.26 (95% CI, 1.65-11.04; P=.003) for hepatic steatosis. BMI and ALT did not independently predict hepatic steatosis. A BMI>85% combined with ALT>65 U/L had 9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 100% PPV. Lowering the ALT value to 24 U/L increased the sensitivity to 68%, but reduced the PPV to 47%. A risk assessment model incorporating fasting insulin, total cholesterol, WC, and ethnicity increased sensitivity to 64%, specificity to 99% and PPV to 93%. A risk assessment model can increase specificity, sensitivity, and PPV for identifying the risk of hepatic steatosis and guide the efficient use of biopsy or imaging for early detection and intervention.