Risk factors for liver fibrosis among human immunodeficiency virus monoinfected patients using the FIB4 index in Morocco

Aim: To study the prevalence and risk factors of significant hepatic fibrosis in Moroccan human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) monoinfected patients.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HIV monoinfected patients (negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody). Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the data base of the Infectious Diseases Unit in Ibn Rochd Hospital Center [age, gender, duration of HIV infection, CD4 T lymphocyte count, HIV viral load, glycemia and current or prior use of antiretroviral and antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration]. The primary outcome was a FIB4 score > 1.45. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors for FIB4 > 1.45.

Results: A FIB4 score > 1.45 was identified in 96 among 619 (15.5%). HIV monoinfected patients followed up between September 1990 and September 2012. Multivariate analysis showed that only a viral load > 75 (OR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.36-3.67), CD4 > 200 cells/mm(3) (OR = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21-0.72) and age at FIB4 index calculation (OR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.07-1.13) were independently associated with the occurrence of FIB4 index (> 1.45). Gender, duration of HIV infection, glycemia, use of antiretroviral therapy and ART duration were not associated with significant fibrosis by FIB4.

Conclusion: FIB4 score > 1.45 was found in 15.5% of Moroccan HIV monoinfected patients. Age, HIV viremia > 75 copies/mL and CD4 count > 200 cells/mm(3) are associated with liver fibrosis. Further studies are needed to explore mechanisms for fibrosis in HIV monoinfected patients.