Background:Steatosis is common in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and may be a major
determinant of progression of liver injury. This study evaluated FibroMax™ for noninvasive
diagnosis of steatosis in patients with chronic HCV.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 44 patients naïve to treatment who were referred to
our hepatology clinic for assessment of fitness for antiviral therapy. Chronic HCV infection was
diagnosed by viral markers. Investigations included assessment of abdominal ultrasonography, liver
biopsy, calculation of body mass index, and biomarker parameters in serum using FibroMax.Results:Histopathology of liver biopsies showed steatosis in 30 of 44 (68%) patients. FibroMax
results were positively correlated with viral load by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and
histopathological findings. Body mass index was significantly higher in steatotic patients
(P = 0.003) and was significantly associated with the results on FibroMax
(P = 0.005).Conclusion:FibroMax was correlated with histopathology and body mass index in patients with HCV. Abdominal
ultrasonography could not be used as a single tool to diagnose steatosis with HCV. Steatosis is
correlated with viral load, which suggests a direct viral effect. We recommend FibroMax assessment
in a larger number of patients to assess its applicability in patients with HCV and steatosis.
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