The burden, pattern and factors that contribute to periportal fibrosis in HIV-infected patients in an endemic rural Uganda.

Introduction: Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and infections are common in Uganda and can cause liver disease. No study has determined co-infection significance in Uganda. We carried out a study on the burden, pattern and factors that contribute to peri-portal fibrosis (PPF) in HIV infected patients attending a Primary healthcare setting at Pakwach.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the HIV clinic at Pakwach health centre IV. Data on demographics, contact with the Nile, CD4 cell count, ART and alcohol use were collected. Urinary Circulating Cathodic Antigen (CCA), was done for detection. Liver scan was done for presence and pattern of PPF. HBsAg testing was performed on all participants. Data was analyzed using Stata Version 10.

Results: We enrolled 299 patients, median age 39 years (IQR 16), most were female, 210 (73%). Overall, 206 (68.9%) had PPF, majority 191 (92.7%) had pattern c, either alone (63 participants) or in combination with pattern d (128 participants). Age of 30-50 years was significantly associated with PPF (OR 2.28 p-value-0.003).

Conclusion: We found high prevalence of and PPF in the HIV infected population and age was a significant factor for PPF. We recommend all HIV infected patients be examined routinely for infection for early treatment.