The prevalence and risk factors for abnormal liver enzymes in HIV-positive patients without hepatitis B or C coinfections

Background Abnormal liver enzymes (LFTs) are frequently seen in HIV patients. Because HCV and HBV overshadow other possible variables, little is known about the prevalence and predictive factors of abnormal LFTs in the absence of viral hepatitis. Aims To determine the prevalence and factors associated with abnormal LFTs defined as > 1.25 ULN. Methods A retrospective analysis of HIV clinic patients was performed. Variables were determined at the time of abnormal LFTs or by history and included diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, HCV and HBV status, metabolic syndrome (MS), and HAART use (NRTI, NNRTI, and PI). Results Patients without HCV/HBV (n = 679/1,208) were younger, Caucasian, had a BMI > 30 and had dyslipidemia. The prevalences of elevated LFTs in those without HCV/HBV were AST 20%, ALT 15%, and ALP 43% compared to 64%, 46%, and 63% in those with HCV (all P < 0.0001), and 98% were mild-moderate (grade 1-2). While AST was highly correlated with ALT, neither was associated with increased ALP. In those without HCV/HBV, increased AST was associated with HTN, HIV RNA, and absence of PI use; increased ALT was associated with HTN, HIV RNA, CD4 < 200, MS, and absence of PI use, while increased ALP was associated with age, BMI, CD4%, DM, and NRTI use. Conclusions Mild-moderate increased liver enzymes are common in HIV patients without HCV/HBV and absence of PI use is independently associated with elevations in both AST and ALT, while features typical of hepatic steatosis (DM and BMI) are only associated with increased ALP.