Abstract 64: The Prevalence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HIV-Infection: Results of Large-Scale Liver Ultrasound Screening Program in HIV-Infected Nigerians

Abstract Purpose: In Nigeria, over 3 million people are infected with HIV (prevalence rates 6.1-8.0%). Rates of co-infection with HBV and HCV among HIV-infected are common ranging from 9-12.3% (HBV) and 6-20% (HCV). Given the high burden of HIV/HBV co-infection, it is hypothesized that there are high rates of HCC among HIV-infected individuals in Nigeria. This abstract describes the pattern of liver diseases detected by abdominal ultrasound, including abnormalities suggestive of HCC, from a screening program. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all consenting adults (>18) HIV-infected subjects underwent an abdominal ultrasound using the N2 full Digital Ultrasound and completed a structured questionnaire. Ultrasonography findings were recorded. Basic descriptive statistics was performed. Results: Two thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven subjects were enrolled into the program [1950 (71.5%) females; mean age 46.40±10.15 years]. All subjects were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The majority of study subjects (2149, 78.8%) had a normal liver ultrasound scan. The most common liver abnormality was hepatomegaly, seen in 298 (10.9%) of the study subjects. One hundred and nine (4.0%) had a diffusely hyper-echogenic liver, suggestive of fatty liver. Seventy-two (2.6%) had a hypo-echogenic liver with starry sky appearance, suggestive of active inflammation. Thirty-eight (1.4%) of the study subjects had features consistent with liver cirrhosis. Liver nodules or solid masses were seen in 4 (0.01%) of the study subjects. Mean HIV viral load was significantly higher among those with hepatomegaly compared to those with a normal scan (log103.74 vs.log105.21 p=0.015). Conclusion: The prevalence of HCC among HIV-infected was extremely low 4(0.01%). This is reassuring given the relatively large number of subjects screened and high prevalence of other risk factors for HCC in this population. An effect of ART on reducing incidence of HCC in this population is surmised, however, requires further exploration in long-term follow up studies. Citation Format: Pantong Davwar, Nyam David, Emuobor Odeghe, Duguru Mary, Claudia Hawkins, Ganiyat Oyeleke, Edith Okeke, Lesi Olufunmilayo, Lewis Roberts, Atiene Sagay, Lifang Hou, Robert Murphy, Godwin Imade. The Prevalence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HIV-Infection: Results of Large-Scale Liver Ultrasound Screening Program in HIV-Infected Nigerians [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 64.