Hepatic Steatosis in Chronic Hepatitis C: Risk Factors and Role in the Development of Hepatic Fibrosis

Investigators:

Principal Investigator: Anna S.F. Lok

Co-Investigators: Zachary Goodman, Joel Greenson, James Everhart, Raymond Chung

Hypotheses/Aims

Primary Hypotheses: The central hypothesis of this ancillary study is that hepatic steatosis plays a key role in the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In addition, we hypothesize that both viral and non-viral factors are involved in the development of hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and the benefits of long-term interferon therapy is in part mediated via reduction of hepatic steatosis.

Specific Aims:

1. To determine the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
2. To determine if there is a correlation between hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
3. To identify viral and non-viral risk factors for hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
4. To identify metabolic predictors of week 20 and sustained virologic response
5. To determine the effects of long-term interferon therapy on hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
6. To determine the effects of virologic clearance on insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C.