Advanced liver fibrosis by transient elastography, fibrosis 4, and alanine aminotransferase/platelet ratio index among Asian hepatitis C with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection: role of vitamin D levels
Avihingsanon A., Jitmitraparp S., Tangkijvanich P., Ramautarsing R. A., Apornpong T., Jirajariyavej S., Putcharoen O., Treeprasertsuk S., Akkarathamrongsin S., Poovorawan Y., Matthews G. V., Lange J. M., Ruxrungtham K. and team H.-N. s.
2014
Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 29;9 (1706-1714)
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vitamin D insufficiency plays an important role in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. We assessed liver fibrosis by transient elastography and 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] status in HCV-infected patients, with (HIV/HCV) or without HIV co-infection (HCV) from Thailand. METHODS: Fibrosis stage was defined as mild ( 14 kPa). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25(OH)D 1.45 (6.30, 2.70-14.74), P 1.45, and hypovitaminosis D are strong and independent predictors for the presence of advanced fibrosis in our HCV-infected patients. These data highlight the urgent need of HCV treatment and vitamin D supplement in resource-limited settings.