High coffee consumption is not associated with less liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis: Results of the COCANASH study

Abstract

Background

The beneficial effect of coffee consumption on the progression of liver fibrosis in NASH is controversial.

Aims

To compare coffee consumption in NASH patients with and without advanced fibrosis.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study on 97 patients with NASH diagnosed by histology or the association of steatosis, metabolic syndrome, elastometry > 6 kPa, and exclusion of other liver diseases. Usual coffee and caffeine intake were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by elastometry (advanced fibrosis if ≥ 10 kPa).

Results

Among the 97 patients, 49 patients (51%) had non-advanced fibrosis (group 1) and 48 (49%) advanced fibrosis (group 2). The mean consumption of caffeine from coffee was 251 mg ± 293 per day in group 1 and 257 mg ± 286 per day in group 2 (P = 0.92). In multivariable analysis, the odds ratio for the mean consumption of caffeine from coffee (100 mg/d) between groups was 1.00 (1.00–1.00, P = 0.92). There was no correlation between elastometry and the consumption of caffeine from coffee.

Conclusion

We found no relationship between caffeine or coffee consumption and the degree of liver fibrosis in NASH. Our result does not support a beneficial effect of coffee consumption on the progression of fibrosis in NASH.