Rakai Health Sciences Program. High prevalence of liver fibrosis associated with HIV infection: a study in rural Rakai, Uganda

December 31, 2010 by
Peace Mirembe (V3locity)

Stabinski L, Reynolds SJ, Ocama P, Laeyendecker O, Ndyanabo A, Kiggundu V, Boaz I, Gray RH, Wawer M, Thio C, Thomas DL, Quinn TC, Kirk GD

Antivir Ther. 2011;16(3):405-11. PMID: 21555823. PMCID:PMC3142695.


Abstract

Background: 

Liver disease is a leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected persons in the United States and Europe. However, data regarding the effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on liver disease in Africa are sparse.

Methods: 

A total of 500 HIV-infected participants in an HIV care programme in rural Rakai, Uganda were frequency-matched by age, gender and site to 500 HIV-uninfected participants in a population cohort. All participants underwent transient elastography (FibroScan(®)) to quantify liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and identify participants with significant liver fibrosis, defined as LSM≥9.3 kPa (≈ Metavir F≥2). Risk factors for liver fibrosis were identified by estimating adjusted prevalence risk ratios (adjPRR) and 95% CI using modified Poisson multivariate regression.

Results: 

The prevalence of hepatitis B coinfection in the study population was 5%. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was 17% among HIV-infected and 11% in HIV-uninfected participants (P=0.008). HIV infection was associated with a 50% increase in liver fibrosis (adjPRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1; P=0.010). Fibrosis was also associated with male gender (adjPRR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9; P=0.045), herbal medicine use (adjPRR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3; P=0.005), heavy alcohol consumption (adjPRR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9; P=0.005), occupational fishing (adjPRR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3; P=0.019) and chronic HBV infection (adjPRR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-3.1; P=0.058). Among HIV-infected participants, ART reduced fibrosis risk (adjPRR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-1.0; P=0.030).

Conclusions: 

The burden of liver fibrosis among HIV-infected rural Ugandans is high. These data suggest that liver disease may represent a significant cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality in Africa.

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