Abstract:

Background. Hepatic steatosis is increasingly recognized as significant comorbidity among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The prevalence of hepatic steatosis in these patients varies widely across different populations, with limited data available from Sub Saharan Africa including Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and identify associated factors among CHB patients using FibroScan at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza Tanzania.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 224 adult CHB patients who underwent Fibroscan at BMC. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical history and Laboratory results were collected and analyzed. The Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score was used to quantify hepatic steatosis, with a CAP score where by CAP below 238DB/m was normal value, between 238 to below 259DB/m is mild steatosis, 259 to 292DB/m is moderate steatosis, and above 292DB/m is severe steatosis

Results: The prevalence of hepatic steatosis in the study population was 103 (45.98%) and the Factors significantly associated were the presence of male gender 67(65%) P < 0.002, higher BMI more than 30kg/m2 99(44.1%) p <0.001, elevated AST more than twice the upper limit 98 (52.1%) p <0.004 and presence of metabolic syndrome components such as dyslipidemia 16(72.2%) p <0.003.

Conclusion: hepatic steatosis is highly prevalent among CHB patients at BMC with nearly half of patient affected 45.98%. Metabolic risk factors were primary contributor to the development of HS in this population. These finding underscore the need for routine screening of hepatic steatosis in CHB patients, particularly those with metabolic comorbidities, to prevent further liver related complications.