P- 82 VERY HIGH PREVALENCE OF STEATOSIS AND STRIKINGLY ELEVATED ANTIE VIRUS ANTIBODIES: RESULTS OF A LIVER DISEASE SCREENING CAMPAIGN

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide and is often not detected early in the general population. This study aimed to study the presence of liver disease in the general population of Rosario, Argentina (1.5 million inhabitants). Materials and Methods: 600 individuals over 18 years were studied who spontaneously attended our Hospital as part of a campaign called ''Take care of your liver,'' carried out from October 4 to 14, 2019. Anthropometric data, history of previous diseases and socioeconomic status were documented. Liver tests, serology for hepatitis A, B and C and abdominal ultrasound were also performed. IgG-HEV was analyzed in 400/600 (66%) of the cases. Hepatic elastography was performed in a subgroup of patients with steatosis. Results: 365/600 (61%) were women, a median age of 54 years (range 18-84). 222/600 (37%) had a BMI between 25-29.9 and >30 in 270/600 (45%). Alcohol intake between 30-60 gr/day was observed in 41/600 (7%) and >60 gr/day in 27/600 (4.5%). Anti-core IgG was positive in 33/600 (5.5%), while 3/600 (0.5%) were HBsAg positive. 8/600 (1.3%) presented HCV positive. ALT, AST, FAL and GGT levels were elevated at 6% (median 60 UI/L), 8,3% (median 64,5 UI/L), 17% (median 133 UI/L), 15% (median 109 UI/L), respectively. A diagnosis of steatosis was made in 235/600 (39%), of whom 17/600 (2.4%) had a BMI less than 25. Elastography in 65 pts with steatosis showed F4: 3, F3: 5, F2: 4, F0/F1: 53. As a finding, 40/600 (6.6%) presented liver cysts, 7/600 (1%) angiomas and 18/600 (3%) solid nodules. IgG-VHE was positive in 23/400 (5.75%). Conclusions: A high prevalence of fatty liver was observed in the general population of Rosario, where 2.4% corresponded to thin pts. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was found in 8 cases with steatosis. A strikingly elevated presence of IgG-HEV was documented.