HIV Patients and Liver Fat: What the Numbers Reveal

A team studied 265 adults with HIV in Italy. The average age was 53.9 years. Most, about 89 percent, had virus levels below detection. Their average CD4 count sat near 758 cells per cubic millimeter.

Almost half of the group showed moderate to severe liver fat. Around a third had the most serious form, called S3. Liver fat and scarring are common problems in this population.

Longer use of integrase inhibitors was linked to higher odds of severe fat. A rise of one year of drug exposure raised the risk by about 19 percent. Higher body mass index also increased risk. Daily alcohol drinking made the risk more than double. Higher LDL cholesterol added another risk factor. People who exercised regularly had lower liver fat readings.

When the virus was fully suppressed, liver stiffness dropped significantly. This shows that controlling the infection helps the liver. Doctors should focus on metabolic health and lifestyle changes for people with HIV. Regular monitoring and healthy habits can slow liver damage.