Chronic liver disease in the human immunodeficiency virus patient

Abstract

There are an estimated 40 million HIV infected individuals worldwide, with chronic liver disease being the 2nd leading cause of mortality in this population. Elevated liver functions are commonly noted in HIV patients and the etiologies are varied. Viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver and drug induced liver injury are more common. Treatment options for viral hepatitis C are rapidly evolving and are promising, but treatments are limited for the other conditions and is primarily supportive. Opportunistic infections of the liver are now uncommon. Irrespective of etiology, management requires referral to specialized centers and with due diligence mortality can be reduced.

Keywords: Drug-induced liver injury; Fatty liver; Hepatitis; Highly active antiretroviral therapy; Metabolic syndrome; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Opportunistic infections.