The impact of primary biliary cholangitis on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Background The impact of chronic cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has yet to be described. Objectives To document and compare the severity and course of liver disease in patients with NAFLD/PBC versus NAFLD alone. Methods In this retrospective, case-control study 68 adult NAFLD/PBC patients were matched 1:2 for age and sex with 136 NAFLD alone patients. Disease activity and severity were documented by serum aminotransferases, albumin, bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR) values and hepatic fibrosis by Fib-4 and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio indices (APRI). Results On presentation (baseline), NAFLD/PBC patients had similar serum aminotransferase, albumin and bilirubin levels but lower INR values than NAFLD alone patients. Fib-4 and APRI levels were similar. Despite longer follow-up (favouring more advanced disease) in NAFLD/PBC patients, serum aminotransferases and bilirubin values were similar but albumin and INR levels significantly lower in NAFLD/PBC versus NAFLD alone patients at the end of follow-up. NAFLD/PBC patients also had significantly lower and less worsening of Fib-4 values at the end of follow-up. Transition from intermediate Fib-4 levels to those compatible with no or limited fibrosis was higher in NAFLD/PBC patients. Conclusion These findings suggest PBC does not adversely affect the severity or course of NAFLD.