Association between hypertension and a high FIB-4 index in individuals with hepatic steatosis

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern.
• A high Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index indicates advanced liver fibrosis and is associated with increased mortality risk in NAFLD patients.
• Identifying factors contributing to high FIB-4 index and its progression is crucial for risk stratification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with a high FIB-4 index in patients with hepatic steatosis.
• To identify predictors of progression to a high FIB-4 index over a 5-year follow-up period in patients with hepatic steatosis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 5,434 participants with ultrasonography-diagnosed hepatic steatosis in 2018 was analyzed.
• Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a high FIB-4 index (≥2.67) at baseline and after 5 years.
• Data from 5,261 participants with available FIB-4 index data at both time points were analyzed for progression.

Main Results:

• Hypertension was significantly associated with a high FIB-4 index at baseline (OR: 3.210, p<0.001).
• After 5 years, hypertension remained a significant predictor of a high FIB-4 index in patients with hepatic steatosis (OR: 2.190, p=0.002).
• The study identified 139 participants in the high-risk group at baseline and 87 after 5 years.

Conclusions:

• Hypertension is a key associated factor and predictor of a high FIB-4 index in patients with hepatic steatosis.
• The presence of hypertension contributes to the progression of liver fibrosis, as indicated by the FIB-4 index.
• These findings highlight the importance of managing hypertension in patients with fatty liver disease to mitigate the risk of advanced fibrosis and poor prognosis.