0
0
A groundbreaking study from National Taiwan University Hospital has revealed that metabolic dysfunction significantly impacts mortality risks in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The research, recently published in the Journal of Hepatology, analyzed data from over 8,000 CHB patients over a 15-year period, emphasizing the critical role of metabolic health in liver disease outcomes.
Higher Mortality Risk in CHB Patients with Metabolic Disorders
The study found that CHB patients with concurrent steatotic liver disease (SLD) face a complex interplay between metabolic dysfunction and long-term survival. Those diagnosed with metabolic disorders—such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—exhibited a significantly higher risk of all-cause, liver-related, and cardiovascular mortality. A higher cumulative metabolic burden was linked to a dose-dependent increase in mortality risks.
Among the metabolic conditions analyzed, diabetes mellitus emerged as the most significant risk factor. Poorly controlled blood glucose levels (HbA1c > 8.0%) led to a fourfold increase in liver-related mortality compared to patients with well-controlled glucose levels (HbA1c < 6.0%). Additionally, those who developed new-onset diabetes or hypertension during the follow-up period faced an even greater risk of death, highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive metabolic management.
Insights from Researchers
“Patients with chronic hepatitis B who develop metabolic disorders are at significantly greater risk of death, particularly those with multiple metabolic conditions,” said Prof. Tung-Hung Su from National Taiwan University Hospital, the study’s lead author.
“Our findings emphasize the urgent need for routine metabolic screening and early intervention in this population. Metabolic health is not just an ancillary concern in chronic liver disease—it plays a direct role in determining long-term patient outcomes.”
Unexpected Protective Role of Non-Metabolic SLD
Surprisingly, the study also found that CHB patients with SLD but without metabolic abnormalities had a lower risk of mortality compared to those without SLD. This suggests that hepatic steatosis, in the absence of metabolic dysfunction, may have a protective effect against long-term liver-related complications.
“This was an unexpected finding,” said Dr. Shang-Chin Huang, the study’s first author. “While steatotic liver disease is generally considered a risk factor for liver complications, our results suggest that when it occurs without metabolic dysfunction, it may actually reduce mortality risks in CHB patients. This aligns with some of our previous research, which indicates that liver fat accumulation might, in some cases, be associated with improved clearance of the hepatitis B virus.”
Clinical Implications and Recommendations
Given the strong link between metabolic dysfunction and increased mortality, researchers emphasize the importance of routine metabolic health monitoring for CHB patients. The study found that new-onset diabetes, hypertension, and excessive weight gain during follow-up further exacerbated mortality risks.
For CHB patients, the findings underscore the need for routine metabolic screenings, including BMI, blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid level assessments. Early intervention for those with metabolic disorders is crucial to preventing long-term complications.
This study introduces a new perspective on the role of metabolic dysfunction in chronic liver disease and calls for a more integrated approach to hepatitis B patient management. The results have garnered global attention in the hepatology field, offering valuable insights for future research and public health strategies.
“Our findings have significant implications for the clinical management of hepatitis B patients,” added Prof. Tung-Hung Su. “Beyond antiviral treatment, managing metabolic health should be a key component of hepatitis B care to improve patient outcomes.”
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients with chronic hepatitis B or metabolic disorders should consult their healthcare providers for personalized medical guidance.
