HBV co-infection is associated with persistently elevated liver stiffness measurement in HIV-positive adults: A 6-year single-centre cohort study in Nigeria

Adovich S. Rivera, Stephen Machenry, Jonathan Okpokwu, Bola Olatunde, Placid Ugoagwu, Muazu Auwal, Halima Sule, Patricia Agaba, Oche O. Agbaji, Chloe L. Thio, Robert Leo Murphy, Claudia Hawkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, the effect of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) on long-term liver outcomes in persons with HIV (PLH) has not been described. We determined changes in liver stiffness measure (LSM) using transient elastography over 6 years in HIV mono-infected and HIV-HBV co-infected Nigerians initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) and factors associated with LSM decline. METHODS: This single centre, cohort study enrolled ART-naïve HIV mono- and HIV-HBV co-infected adults (≥18 years) at the APIN Public Health Initiatives-supported HIV Care and Treatment Centre at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, from 7/2011 to 2/2012. LSM at baseline, Years 3 and 6 were analysed using longitudinal models to estimate changes over time and their predictors. RESULTS: Data from 100 (31%) HIV-HBV co-infected and 225 (69%) HIV mono-infected participants were analysed. Median LSM at baseline was 6.10 (IQR: 4.60-7.90) kPa in co-infected and 5.10 (IQR: 4.40-6.10) kPa in mono-infected participants. In adjusted analyses, average LSM was not significantly different between Year 0 and 3 (β = 0.02, -0.22 to 0.26, p = 0.87 and Year 0 and 6 (β = -0.02, -0.23 to 0.27, p = 0.88) in both groups (p>0.05), but co-infected participants had significantly higher LSM than mono-infected throughout follow-up (β = 0.018, 0.019-0.28, p < 0.001). Year 3 LSM differed according to ART initiation status by Year 3 (initiators - non-initiators: -0.87, -1.70 to -0.29). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, LSM remained higher among HIV-HBV co-infected versus HIV mono-infected participants throughout follow-up. Our findings emphasize the continuing need for monitoring of liver outcomes in HIV-HBV co-infected populations on ART and the importance of preventing HBV infection among PLH to optimize liver health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)106-116
Number of pages11
JournalAntiviral therapy
Volume26
Issue number6-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Nigeria
  • antiretroviral therapy
  • chronic hepatitis B
  • liver fibrosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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