Fibroscan and Hepatic Steatosis: Rethinking Assessment Strategies in Chronic Hepatitis B

Aims Hepatic steatosis is an increasingly common condition. In the context of chronic hepatitis B, the presence of hepatic steatosis is associated with an increased risk of liver disease progression and complications. This study aims to assess the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from all patients followed for chronic hepatitis B in our department over a 9-month period (January to September 2024), who underwent Fibroscan evaluation of liver elasticity and the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Clinical, anthropometric, and biological data were collected. T-tests and Chi-square tests were used to identify statistically significant associations.

Results The study included 80 patients, with a mean age of 50.9 years (range: 19-72), and a male-to-female ratio of 2,33. Among them, 44 patients (52.5%) had hepatic steatosis, including 14 (17.5%) with severe steatosis, 10 (12.5%) with moderate steatosis, and 20 (25%) with mild steatosis. Regarding liver fibrosis, more than half of the patients (57.5%) had no significant fibrosis, while 19 patients (23.8%) had advanced fibrosis.Patients with severe steatosis had higher body mass index (BMI) values (30.38 vs. 26.76 kg/m², p=0.019). However, no statistically significant association was found between the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis (p=0.54).

Conclusions Hepatic steatosis is common in patients with chronic hepatitis B, affecting more than half of the patients in our cohort. These results underline the importance of systematic assessment of steatosis and fibrosis in patients with viral hepatitis B, as part of the management to guide treatment and prevention strategies.

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025