Liver steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with fibrosis are predictors of frailty in people living with HIV

Regional variation in NAFLD prevalence and risk factors among people living with HIV in Europe: a meta-analysis

Background and Aim

Europe faces an elevated risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among people living with HIV (PLWH), contributing to the region's highest global burden of NAFLD. However, the prevalence of NAFLD across various European countries and regions remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with NAFLD among PLWH across European countries.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data on the prevalence of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis, as well as the associated risk factors, were collected among PLWH in Europe.

Results

Thirty-six studies from 13 European nations were included. The prevalence of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis were 42% (95%CI 37-48), 35% (95%CI 21-50) and 13% (95%CI 10-15), respectively. Male gender, BMI, waist circumference, Diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, ALT, AST, and years on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were found to be risk factors for NAFLD. High BMI and triglycerides were associated with NASH. Patients with high BMI and triglycerides are at increased risk of significant liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis among PLWH in Europe highlights the need for early screening, intervention, and increased research focus on adolescents living with HIV. Furthermore, the significant variations observed between countries and regions underscore the influence of related risk factors.

Fatty Liver Disease: Enter the Metabolic Era

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review is to summarize the recent literature linking HIV to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This is a pressing issue due to the scale of the MASLD epidemic and the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies for MASLD in PWH.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of MASLD in PWH is higher than previously appreciated, approaching 50% depending on the population and definition of MASLD. MASLD in PWH is likely multifactorial due to risk factors present in the general population such as metabolic syndrome, and features unique to HIV including systemic inflammation and ART. Statin therapy results in a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in PWH. PWH are at high risk for MASLD. Screening PWH with metabolic syndrome features could enable earlier interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with MASLD in PWH.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Fibrosis in People Living With HIV Monoinfection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Emerging data suggest that PLWH are at high risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this review is to examine the current literature and provide an accurate estimate of the prevalence of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis, and identify potential risk factors for NAFLD in PLWH.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase databases to identify studies reporting the prevalence of NAFLD and/or fibrosis in PLWH monoinfection. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of proportions to estimate the pooled prevalence of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis among PLWH monoinfection. We also examined potential risk factors for NAFLD by comparing characteristics of PLWH monoinfection with and without NAFLD.

RESULTS

A total of 43 studies, reporting data for 8230 patients, met our eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Based on imaging studies the overall pooled prevalence of NAFLD and moderate liver fibrosis (METAVIR ≥ F2) among PLWH monoinfection was 33.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.67%-38.39%), and 12.00% (95% CI, 10.02%-14.12%), respectively. Based on biopsy studies, prevalence of NASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥F2 on histology) was 48.77% (95% CI, 34.30%-63.34%) and 23.34% (95% CI, 14.98%-32.75%), respectively. Traditional metabolic syndrome and HIV-related factors were associated with NAFLD in PLWH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that the burden of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis is high among PLWH monoinfection. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to delineate NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis risk factors, and identify early interventions and new therapies for NAFLD in this population.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Therapy for NAFLD in People with HIV

HIV infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two major epidemics affecting millions of people worldwide. As people with HIV (PWH) age, there is an increased prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, along with unique HIV factors, such as HIV chronic inflammation and life-long exposure to antiretroviral therapy, which leads to a high prevalence of NAFLD. An unhealthy lifestyle, with a high dietary intake of refined carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, fructose added beverages, and processed red meat, as well as physical inactivity, are known to trigger and promote the progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, with no currently approved pharmacotherapy and a lack of clinical trials that are inclusive of HIV, nutritional and lifestyle approaches still represent the most recommended treatments for PWH with NAFLD. While sharing common features with the general population, NAFLD in PWH displays its own peculiarities that may also reflect different impacts of nutrition and exercise on its onset and treatment. Therefore, in this narrative review, we aimed to explore the role of nutrients in the development of NAFLD in PWH. In addition, we discussed the nutritional and lifestyle approaches to managing NAFLD in the setting of HIV, with insights into the role of gut microbiota and lean NAFLD.

Ultrasound-Based Diagnostic Methods: Possible Use in Fatty Liver Disease Area

Liver steatosis is a chronic liver disease that is becoming one of the most important global health problems, due to its direct connection with metabolic syndrome, its significant impact on patients' socioeconomic status and frailty, and the occurrence of advanced chronic liver disease. In recent years, there has been rapid technological progress in the ultrasound-based diagnostics field that can help us to quantitatively assess liver steatosis, including continuous attenuation parameters in A and B ultrasound modes, backscatter coefficients (e.g., speed of sound) and ultrasound envelope statistic parametric imaging. The methods used in this field are widely available, have favorable time and financial profiles, and are well accepted by patients. Less is known about their reliability in defining the presence and degree of liver steatosis. Numerous study reports have shown the methods' favorable negative and positive predictive values in comparison with reference investigations (liver biopsy and MRI). Important research has also evaluated the role of these methods in diagnosing and monitoring non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since NAFLD is becoming the dominant global cause of liver cirrhosis, and due to the close but complex interplay of liver steatosis with the coexistence of liver fibrosis, knowledge regarding NAFLD's influence on the progression of liver fibrosis is of crucial importance. Study findings, therefore, indicate the possibility of using these same diagnostic methods to evaluate the impact of NAFLD on the patient's liver fibrosis progression risk, metabolic risk factors, cardiovascular complications, and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. The mentioned areas are particularly important in light of the fact that most of the known chronic liver disease etiologies are increasingly intertwined with the simultaneous presence of NAFLD.

Frailty in people living with HIV: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The HIV population is ageing with rising rates of frailty though strategies of how best to manage it remain ill-defined. It also remains unclear what the prevalence of frailty is within this cohort, how best to diagnose it and what factors are associated.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of frailty remains unclear because of heterogenous results. Routine screening in those 50+ is recommended and whilst the Fried Frailty Phenotype is currently preferred the Clinical Frailty Scale could be considered. No biomarkers are currently recommended. Looking at associated factors, HIV neurocognitive impairment and long-term alcohol usage has been shown to be associated with developing frailty whilst those who are frail have been shown to be less active and more likely to fall. NAFLD with fibrosis has been shown to be an indicator of metabolic age and the Pooled Cohort Equations has been shown to be more effective in diagnosing cardiovascular risk in frail people living with HIV.

SUMMARY

Whilst the prevalence of frailty differs between countries, with the addition of prefrailty, this represents a large proportion of people living with HIV. Services must ensure strategies are in place to support those living with HIV and frailty. Further longitudinal studies are required.

Predictors of Transition to Frailty in Middle-Aged and Older People With HIV: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

People with HIV (PWH) have increased frailty risk at younger ages compared with the general population. Multimorbidity is associated with frailty, yet effects of specific comorbidities on transition to frailty in PWH are unknown.

SETTING

Prospective study of 219 PWH age 45 years or older in the National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium.

METHODS

Frailty status was categorized using Fried frailty phenotype criteria. Comorbidities [bone disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, liver disease, renal disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, obesity, cancers, neuropsychiatric conditions] were assessed from longitudinal data. Associations between baseline comorbidities and transition to frailty within 30 months were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. Grip strength was assessed using mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

At baseline, the median age was 61 years, 73% were male 98% were on antiretroviral therapy, 29% had ≥3 comorbidities, 27% were robust, and 73% were pre-frail. Cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and COPD were independent predictors of transition to frailty within 30 months in models adjusted for age, sex, and multimorbidity (≥3 additional comorbidities) [hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) 2.52 (1.29 to 4.93), 2.31 (1.12 to 4.76), and 1.82 (0.95 to 3.48), respectively]. Furthermore, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, or liver disease co-occurring with multimorbidity was associated with substantially increased frailty hazards compared with multimorbidity alone (hazard ratios 4.75-7.46). Cerebrovascular disease was associated with decreased baseline grip strength (P = 0.0001), whereas multimorbidity, diabetes, and COPD were associated with declining grip strength (P < 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In older PWH, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, or liver disease co-occurring with multimorbidity is associated with substantially increased risk of becoming frail within 30 months. Interventions targeting these comorbidities may ameliorate frailty and age-related functional decline in PWH.

Current Considerations for Clinical Management and Care of People with HIV: Findings from the 11th Annual International HIV and Aging Workshop

The number of people with HIV (PWH) aged 50 years or older continues to steadily increase. The convergence of age- and HIV-related complications in these individuals presents a challenge for both patients and clinicians alike. New findings continue to emerge, as numerous researchers evaluate the combined impact of these two factors on quality of life, physiological systems, and mental health in PWH. Since its first occurrence in 2009, the International Workshop on HIV and Aging has served as a multidisciplinary meeting to share basic biomedical data, clinical trial results, treatment strategies, and epidemiological recommendations, toward better understanding and outcomes among like-minded scientific professionals. In this article, we share a selection of key findings presented in plenary talks at the 11th Annual International Workshop on HIV and Aging, held virtually from September 30, 2020 to October 2, 2020. We will also address the future directions of HIV and aging research, to further assess how the aging process intersects with chronic HIV.