Measurement of hepatic steatosis by Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) in patients with Hepatitis C Virus in Douala: a cross-sectional study

Eloumou Bagnaka Servais Albert Fiacre; Bekolo Nga Winnie Tatiana; Bidjogo Epse Gwet Marina; Tchamna Frankline Aurelle; Yenga Karl Nelson; Nsenga Djapa Guy Roger; Machekam Epse Matanga Olga; Noah Noah Dominique; Tzeuton Christian; Luma Namme Henry

doi:10.15406/ghoa.2025.16.00626

eISSN: 2373-6372

Gastroenterology & Hepatology: Open Access

Research Article Volume 16 Issue 5

Measurement of hepatic steatosis by Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) in patients with Hepatitis C Virus in Douala: a cross-sectional study

Eloumou Bagnaka Servais Albert Fiacre, Bekolo Nga Winnie Tatiana, Bidjogo Epse Gwet Marina, Tchamna Frankline Aurelle, Yenga Karl Nelson, Nsenga Djapa Guy Roger, Machekam Epse Matanga Olga, Noah Noah Dominique, Tzeuton Christian, Luma Namme Henry

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon
Department of Internal Medicine, Douala Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Cameroon
Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Sangmelima, University of Ebolowa, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

Received: November 19, 2025 | Published: December 9, 2025

Citation: Fiacre EBSA, Tatiana BNW, Marina BEG, et al. Measurement of hepatic steatosis by Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) in patients with Hepatitis C Virus in Douala: a cross-sectional study. Gastroenterol Hepatol Open Access. 2025;16(3):157-162. DOI: 10.15406/ghoa.2025.16.00626

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Abstract

Introduction: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) can be responsible for the development of hepatic steatosis. It influences lipid metabolism at three levels: through impaired lipid secretion, increased lipid neosynthesis, and altered lipid degradation. Steatosis promotes progression to cirrhosis and the development of liver cancer, and it also impacts the response to antiviral treatment. The objective of this work was to study hepatic steatosis diagnosed by CAP in patients with HCV in the city of Douala.
Methodology: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in four healthcare facilities in the city of Douala. The period was six years, from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022. Included in the study were patients with HCV who had an assessment of hepatic steatosis by CAP and a complete file. The steatosis assessment was done by CAP and classified by hepatic steatosis stages S0, S1, S2, and S3. This corresponded respectively to the absence of steatosis, mild steatosis, moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis. The correlation between variables was sought using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r). Logistic regression with univariate and then multivariate analyses was used to find associated factors.
Results: We included 128 patients. The mean age was 61.2±11.7 years. Females represented 64.1%. Alcohol consumption was observed in 40.6% of patients. The mean ALT was 49.9 ±44.2 IU/L. The prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 45.3%. There was a correlation after introducing confounding factors between steatosis and age > 63 years, high viral load, and transaminases (ALT and AST) above normal. There was a correlation between steatosis and fibrosis (r = +0.185, p = 0.036). Factors associated with the presence of hepatic steatosis were; hypertension (OR = 2.26, 95% CI [1-5.04] p=0.048) and Triglycerides > 1.5 (OR=3.36, 95% CI [1.35-8.36], p= 0.009).
Conclusion: The prevalence of steatosis in subjects with HCV affects one in two patients. There is a correlation between steatosis and fibrosis. The factors associated with hepatic steatosis are hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia.

Keywords: HCV, Steatosis, CAP, Douala, Cameroon