Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Impact on Fibrosis Risk in Inactive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are significant causes of chronic liver disease, potentially leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, the coexistence of CHB and NAFLD is increasingly common, although the relationship between NAFLD and inactive CHB infection remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD among patients with inactive CHB, identify risk factors for NAFLD, and determine predictors of significant fibrosis in these patients. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study targeted patients with inactive CHB at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from January 2010 to November 2021. Results: A total of 425 patients with inactive CHB were identified, of which 53.1% were male and 62.6% were aged 40–60 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was 47.8%. Various independent factors were associated with NAFLD, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, high hemoglobin levels, low platelet counts, and normal alpha-fetoprotein levels. Significant associations were noted between NAFLD and significant fibrosis, with 10.5% of CHB patients with NAFLD exhibiting significant fibrosis compared to 1.4% of those without NAFLD. Other significant parameters included male gender, increased age, high alanine transaminase levels, elevated hemoglobin, and decreased platelet levels. Conclusions: The high prevalence of NAFLD in patients with inactive CHB and its associations with increased fibrosis and cirrhosis risk underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies for these patients.