Prevalence and predicting factors of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease diagnosed by transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameters in HIV-positive people

Abstract

Metabolic disorders are increasing in people living with HIV (PLWH), and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become a common complication. A cross-sectional study was conducted in HIV-positive persons receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART), in order to determine the prevalence and predicting factors of MAFLD in PLWH. All participants underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis, ultrasonography, and transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). MAFLD was defined as CAP ≥248 dB/m. Significant fibrosis was defined when liver stiffness measurement >7.0 kPa. Predicting factors of MAFLD were determined using logistic regression analysis. Of 150 participants, 48 (32.0%) had MAFLD. Significant fibrosis was diagnosed in 5 (10.4%) participants in the MAFLD group. Blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat, serum transaminases, HbA1c, LDL, and triglycerides levels were significantly higher in the MAFLD group (p < 0.05). High BMI [odds ratio (OR) 1.596; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.336–1.907, p < 0.001], triglycerides level >150 mg/dl [OR 3.722; 95% CI, 1.508–9.187, p < 0.004], and advanced age [OR 1.076; 95% CI, 1.017–1.139, p < 0.011] were associated with MAFLD in the multivariate analysis. MAFLD is common in PLWH receiving ART, while significant fibrosis is relatively infrequent. High BMI, age, and triglycerides level are the predicting factors of MAFLD in PLWH.