For HIV patients with belly fat and high liver enzymes, losing visceral fat improved liver enzymes whether they had hepatitis or not.
Scientific Claim
In HIV-infected patients with abdominal obesity and elevated baseline transaminases, VAT reduction was associated with improved liver enzymes regardless of viral hepatitis status.
Original Statement
“The longitudinal association between VAT and liver enzymes was not modified by viral hepatitis status. Thus, the decline in hepatic transaminases that accompanied a tesamorelin-mediated VAT reduction was comparable among individuals with and without viral hepatitis.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim accurately describes the lack of interaction effect without implying causation, consistent with the study's analysis.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV