P-97 THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS IN METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE. A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Conflict of interest: No Introduction and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis is multifactorial. Increasing evidence highlight the role of psychosocial stress in liver disease progression. However, psychological characteristics involved in stress response in MASLD has not been investigated. Objective: To assess psychosocial stress and its relationship with liver damage in patients with MASLD. Patients / Materials and Methods: A transversal, descriptive study, was performed in MASLD patients diagnosed by liver biopsy recruited from Gastroenterology Unit of HCUCH.Demographic and clinical data was recorded using RedCap platform. Psychological assessment was performed by questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), Anxiety-Depression Survey (HADS), Coping Strategy Inventory (CSI), Quality of Life (QoL SF-36), and Hexaco-60. Liver function and liver damage was evaluated by blood test and imaging (echography, Fibroscan and magnetic nuclear resonance) respectively. Statistical analysis including t-test and chi-squared, were performed using GraphPad Prisma. Significance set at p<0.05. The study was approved by HCUCH ethics committee. Results and Discussion: A total of 13 patients were recruited, mainly female (85%), age range from 29-73 years. Moderate stress levels were observed in 53.8% of participants. A higher PSS score was observed in patients with moderate-severe steatosis (moderate-severe steatosis 29.0 ± 9.51 vs mild steatosis 18.20 ± 6.94) p=0.047. Patients with significant fibrosis reported poorer mental health QoL (without fibrosis 53.60 ± 9.25 vs with significant fibrosis 42.40 ± 10.40) p=0.022. Moderate-severe steatosis presented a trend of increased anxiety prevalence (mild steatosis 28.57% vs moderate-severe 71,43%) p=0.113. No significant differences were found in depression scores, overall and physical QoL in relation to steatosis and fibrosis degree. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that negative psychosocial factors have a pathogenic role in liver damage. Increased psychological stress and lower mQoLwere the principal components involved. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in MASLD patients in clinical management. Funding OAIC n°13022