COMPARATIVE CLINICAL AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF HEPATIC STEATOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B AND CHRONIC HEPATITIS B WITH HDV CO-INFECTION (A CONTROLLED STUDY)

Chronic hepatitis B remains a major global health concern, and its clinical course becomes more severe in the presence of hepatitis D virus co-infection. Hepatic steatosis is considered an important metabolic condition that significantly influences the progression and prognosis of chronic viral liver diseases. This study presents a comparative clinical and laboratory analysis of hepatic steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B monoinfection and those with HBV and HDV co-infection in comparison with a control group. The assessment included clinical manifestations, biochemical liver function tests, and metabolic risk factors such as body mass index, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, age, and gender. The findings demonstrated that hepatic steatosis is more pronounced in patients with HDV co-infection and is associated with higher inflammatory activity and more severe functional liver impairment. A comprehensive evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters allows early detection of steatosis and improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies. The obtained results highlight the importance of an integrated approach in the management of patients with chronic viral hepatitis and metabolic liver disorders.