NAFLD Predicts CVD in HIV

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people living with HIV, according the to the results of a study presented at the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.

While it is well established that NAFLD is associated with CVD in the general population, the association among individuals living with HIV is less well understood.

The researchers conducted study of 941 participants from 3 prospective cohorts who had HIV infection, 8.5% of whom reported previous CVD events. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥ 288 dB/m and significant liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) > 7 kPa.

Overall, 423 (45%), 128 (13.6%), 260 (27.6%) and 130 (13.8%) patients were categorized as low, borderline, intermediate and high Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk, respectively, based on the ASCVD Risk Estimator. The prevalence of NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis was 20% and 17%, respectively. NAFLD, liver fibrosis and time to HIV diagnosis were all independently associated with higher ASCVD risk.

“Both NAFLD and liver fibrosis are predictors of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV. Prevention of CVD, possibly with lifestyle modifications, should be strengthen in people living with HIV with NAFLD, in particular in those with longer HIV duration,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Mazzola G, Cervo A, Guaraldi G, et al. NAFLD and liver fibrosis predict high cardiovascular risk in hiv-monoinfected patient. Paper presented at: Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections; March 2020. Boston, Massachusetts. http://www.croiconference.org/sessions/nafld-and-liver-fibrosis-predict-high-cardiovascular-risk-hiv-monoinfected-patient.