Association between vitamin D level and viral load or fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis B patients from Southern China

Abstract Background and Aim The role of vitamin D playing in patients with chronic hepatitis C has been intensively studied. However, studies on the potential interaction between vitamin D level and chronic hepatitis B are still limited. This study aimed to explore whether any association existed between serum vitamin D level and liver histology or virological parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection in S outhern C hina. Methods 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were determined in a cohort of 242 treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. Histologic assessment was based on K nodell histologic activity index and I shak fibrosis staging. Predictors of vitamin D insufficiency were identified using multivariate analysis. Results Mean 25‐hydroxyvitamin D value was 33.90 ng/mL. The percentage of patients with different concentration of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (≥ 30 ng/mL, 20–30 ng/mL, < 20 ng/mL) were 59.9%, 31.4%, and 8.7%, respectively. Gender, season, age, and viral genotype were independent predictors of vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 ng/mL). Patients with genotype B virus infection had a lower mean 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level ( P = 0.023) and higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency than those with genotype C ( P = 0.021), while no association was found between vitamin D status and viral load. In addition, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level did not significantly vary according to activity grade or fibrosis stage. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is relatively low in our cohort. Patients infected with genotype B had a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency than genotype C . 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D serum level is not associated with viral load or fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis B patients.