Which NRTI medication can cause hepatic steatosis?

Which NRTI medication can cause hepatic steatosis?

• A. Zidovudine
• B. Abacavir
• C. Didanosine
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, is a potential side effect associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Each of the medications listed has been associated with this condition in certain patient populations, particularly when combined with other factors like obesity or co-infection with hepatitis. Zidovudine has been linked to hepatic steatosis as a result of mitochondrial toxicity, impacting liver metabolism. Abacavir can also contribute to liver fat accumulation, particularly in patients with certain genetic predispositions. Didanosine is recognized for its risk of hepatotoxicity and can induce fatty liver changes, especially when used in combination with other drugs that impair liver metabolism. Given that all these NRTIs have been implicated in hepatic steatosis, the correct response rightly encompasses all listed medications. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring liver function and considering the risk of fatty liver when prescribing NRTIs in clinical settings.

Hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, is a potential side effect associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Each of the medications listed has been associated with this condition in certain patient populations, particularly when combined with other factors like obesity or co-infection with hepatitis.

Zidovudine has been linked to hepatic steatosis as a result of mitochondrial toxicity, impacting liver metabolism. Abacavir can also contribute to liver fat accumulation, particularly in patients with certain genetic predispositions. Didanosine is recognized for its risk of hepatotoxicity and can induce fatty liver changes, especially when used in combination with other drugs that impair liver metabolism.

Given that all these NRTIs have been implicated in hepatic steatosis, the correct response rightly encompasses all listed medications. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring liver function and considering the risk of fatty liver when prescribing NRTIs in clinical settings.