Risk Stratification of Metabolic Risk Factors and Statin Use Associated With Liver and Nonliver Outcomes in Chronic Hepatitis B.

This article investigates the association between metabolic risk factors (MRFs)—including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity—and statin use with liver and nonliver outcomes in a large nationwide cohort of 52,277 adult patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the United States. The study found that a higher metabolic burden, particularly the presence of DM, was significantly associated with increased risks of adverse liver outcomes (such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and liver decompensation) and nonliver complications including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and extrahepatic cancers. Statin use was linked to a reduced risk of liver outcomes among patients with lower metabolic burden (two or fewer MRFs) but showed no significant benefit in those with higher metabolic burden (three or more MRFs). These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing metabolic comorbidities in CHB patients and suggest that statins may offer protective effects against liver complications in selected populations.