Fatty Liver in HIV-Infected Persons

Abstract The high efficacy of new antiretroviral regimens has deeply improved survival of patients living with HIV (PLWH), and currently as the population ages, the focus has shifted to comorbidities especially metabolic disorders which includes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent Findings Metabolic syndrome is often associated with increased cardiovascular risk that, in turn, is becoming one of the leading causes of death in PLWH. Another important consequence of metabolic syndrome is NAFLD where there is an increasing incidence among PLWH and if progresses could evolve in terminal chronic liver failure. Lipodystrophy, deregulation of the gut-liver axis, and HIV infection itself may contribute simultaneously to NAFLD pathogenesis. Lifestyle modification is the main treatment since no drug has specifically been approved for use in persons with NAFLD, although novel medications and studies are actively being researched. Summary PLWH have a higher risk for fatty liver disease that is likely due variety risk factors including direct and indirect viral effects, medications, along with the higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lipodystrophy.