The interaction between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in a diverse central London population

The study examined the relationship between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in 323 patients at a London viral hepatitis clinic. Most patients were male (67%) with a median age of 36 years, predominantly from African-Caribbean or non-British backgrounds. Overall, 64% of patients had at least one cardiometabolic factor and 20% had MASLD. Patients with CHB and MASLD were significantly older (43 years versus 35 years) and had higher liver stiffness (5.3 kPa versus 4.7 kPa). MASLD remained significantly associated with liver stiffness even after adjustment for other factors. However, the analysis did not confirm an independent relationship between MASLD and hepatitis B viral load. The results emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to CHB treatment considering metabolic complications.