Correlation between COVID-19 severity, body mass index and radiological hepatic morphology / Correlación entre la gravedad de COVID-19, el índice de masa corporal y la morfología hepática radiológica

SUMMARY: Obesity and fatty liver steatosis are already considered metabolic risk factors which may aggravate the severity of COVID-19. This study aims to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 severity, obesity, and liver steatosis and fibrosis. 230 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 aged between 15 and 84? years, admitted to a hospital devoted to COVID-19 patients, were enrolled in the study. COVID-19 severity was classified as severe versus non-severe based on admission to ICU. Obesity was assessed by Body Mass Index (BMI). CT-scan was used to check for the liver steatosis. Fibrosis-4 score was calculated. The study was conducted in March-May 2020. Obesity strongly and positively correlated with severe COVID-19 illness r: 0.760 (P<0.001). Hepatic steatosis had rather less of a correlation with COVID-19 severity r: 0.365 (P<0.001). Multivariable-adjusted association between hepatic steatosis or obesity, or both (as exposure) and COVID-19 severity (as the outcome) revealed increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness with obesity (Adjusted model I OR: 465.3, 95 % CI: 21.9-9873.3, P<0.001), with hepatic steatosis (Adjusted model I OR: 5.1, 95 % CI: 1.2-21.0, P<0.025), and with hepatic steatosis among obese patients (Adjusted model I OR: 132, 95 % CI: 10.3-1691.8, P<0.001). Obesity remained the most noticeable factor that strongly correlated with COVID-19 severity, more than liver steatosis. However, the risk to COVID-19 severity was greater in those with both factors: obesity and liver steatosis.

RESUMEN: La obesidad y la esteatosis del hígado graso ya se consideran factores de riesgo metabólico que pueden empeorar la gravedad de la COVID-19. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la correlación entre la gravedad de COVID- 19, la obesidad y la esteatosis y fibrosis hepática. El estudio se realizó en 230 pacientes consecutivos entre 15 y 84 años con COVID-19 confirmado por laboratorio, ingresados en un hospital dedicado a pacientes con COVID-19. La gravedad de COVID-19 se clasificó como grave, versus no grave según el ingreso a la UCI. La obesidad se evaluó mediante el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Se utilizó una tomografía computarizada para verificar la esteatosis hepática. Se calculó la puntuación de Fibrosis-4. El estudio se realizó entre marzo-mayo de 2020. La obesidad se correlacionó fuerte y positivamente con la enfermedad grave de COVID-19 r: 0,760 (P <0,001). La esteatosis hepática tuvo una correlación bastante menor con la gravedad de COVID-19 r: 0.365 (P <0.001). La asociación ajustada multivariable entre la esteatosis hepática u obesidad, o ambas (como exposición) y la gravedad de COVID-19 (como resul- tado) reveló un mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave por COVID- 19 con obesidad (OR del modelo ajustado I: 465,3, IC del 95%: 21,9 -9873,3, P <0,001), con esteatosis hepática (OR del modelo I ajustado: 5,1, IC del 95 %: 1,2-21,0, P <0,025) y con esteatosis hepática entre los pacientes obesos (OR del modelo I ajustado: 132, IC del 95 % : 10,3-1691,8, P <0,001). La obesidad siguió siendo el factor más notable que se correlacionó significativamente con la gravedad de COVID-19, más que la esteatosis hepática. Sin embargo, el riesgo de gravedad de COVID-19 fue mayor en aquellos con ambos factores: la obesidad y esteatosis hepática.

Asociación entre el espesor de la grasa subcutánea abdominal y la esteatosis hepática, las enzimas hepáticas y los lípidos séricos en niños obesos / Association of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness with hepatic steatosis, liver enzymes, and serum lipids in obese children

Introducción. La obesidad infantil puede causar hiperlipidemia y esteatosis hepática y complicaciones crónicas. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la relación entre el espesor de la grasa subcutánea abdominal (GSA) y la esteatosis hepática, las transaminasas y los lípidos séricos en niños obesos.Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo en niños (4-18 años) que acudieron a los consultorios externos. Se evaluaron las asociaciones entre el espesor de la GSA mediante ecografía y la esteatosis hepática, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) y el perfil lipídico sérico.Resultados. Se identificaron 95 niños con esteatosis hepática; el grado 1 fue el más frecuente (73,6 %, n: 70), seguido del grado 2 (21,1 %) y del 3 (5,3 %). El espesor medio (en mm) de la GSA de línea media y flancos fue 38,48 ± 11,53 y 20,91 ± 8,00 en grado 1; 41,23 ± 10,03 y 19,84 ± 6,75 en grado 2, y 63,12 ± 12,08 y 23,22 ± 5,92 en grado 3, respectivamente. El espesor de la GSA de línea media y flancos se correlacionó positivamente con triglicéridos en grado 3; el espesor de la GSA de línea media se correlacionó con el índice de masa corporal, colesterol total, colesterol LDL y AST (r: 0,9; p: 0,037; r: 0,648; p: 0,001; r: 0,387; p: 0,001; r: 0,406; p: 0,001; r: 0,463; p: 0,001; respectivamente) en grado 1.Conclusión. El espesor de la GSA mediante ecografía puede predecir hiperlipidemia en niños obesos con esteatosis hepática de grado 3 e hipercolesterolemia en grado 1.

Introduction. Childhood obesity can cause hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis at early age and chronic disease complications in adult life. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (ASFT) and hepatic steatosis, serum lipid and transaminase levels in obese children.Population and methods. A retrospective study was conducted with children (aged 4-18 years) who presented to outpatient clinic due to obesity. Associations between ASFT as assessed by ultrasonography (US) and hepatic steatosis, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and serum lipid profile were evaluated.Results. We identified 95 children, all of which were diagnosed as having hepatic steatosis; the most common type was grade 1 (73.6 %, n: 70), followed by grade 2 (21.1 %) and grade 3 (5.3 %). The mean values of midline and flank ASFT were measured as 38.48 ± 11.53 mm and 20.91 ± 8.00 mm in grade 1; 41.23 ± 10.03 and 19.84 ± 6.75 in grade 2 and 63.12 ± 12.08 and 23.22 ± 5.92 in grade 3 hepatic steatosis, respectively. Midline and flank ASFT correlated positively with triglycerides in grade 3 steatosis, while midline ASFT correlated with body mass index, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and AST (r: 0.9; p: 0.037; r: 0.648, p: 0.001; r: 0.387, p: 0.001; r: 0.406, p: 0.001, r: 0.463, p: 0.001; respectively) in grade 1 steatosis.Conclusion. ASFT as assessed by US may be of predictive value for hyperlipidemia in grade 3 and for hypercholesterolemia in grade 1 hepatic steatosis in obese children.

Elastografía hepática y otras secuencias avanzadas de RM (RM multiparamétrica) / Hepatic Elastography and Other Advanced MRI Sequences (Multiparametric MRI)

La fibrosis es un destino donde convergen variados trastornos hepáticos. Al tratarse de un proceso dinámico y reversible, su detección temprana y una intervención terapéutica oportuna, pueden frenar su progresión. La elastografía por resonancia magnética (ERM), es un método no invasivo con notable eficacia para la valoración del grado de fibrosis hepática. La tendencia actual es combinar esa técnica con secuencias de cuantificación de lípidos y hierro, lo cual permite un abordaje multiparamétrico de los trastornos difusos del hígado.

Fibrosis is a common destination where multiple liver disorders converge. Due to its dynamic and reversible process, an early detection and timely therapeutic intervention can interrupt its progression. Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive method with remarkable efficacy for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis. The current trend is to combine this technique with lipid and iron quantification sequences, which allows a multiparametric approach to diffuse liver disorders.

Medição do parâmetro de atenuação controlada: um marcador substituto da esteatose hepática em pacientes com doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica na modificação do estilo de vida - acompanhamento de um estudo prospectivo / Measurement of controlled attenuation parameter: a surrogate marker of hepatic steatosis in patients of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on lifestyle modification - a prospective follow-up study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is a gold standard method for hepatic steatosis assessment. However, liver biopsy is an invasive and painful procedure and can cause severe complications therefore it cannot be frequently used in case of follow-up of patients. Non-invasive assessment of steatosis and fibrosis is of growing relevance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To evaluate hepatic steatosis, transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement is an option now days. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to evaluate role of measurement of controlled attenuation parameter, a surrogate marker of hepatic steatosis in patients of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on lifestyle modification. METHODS: In this study, initially 37 participants were included who were followed up after 6 months with transient elastography, blood biochemical tests and anthropometric measurements. The results were analyzed by Multivariate linear regression analysis and paired samples t-test (Dependent t-test) with 95% confidence interval. Correlation is calculated by Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Mean CAP value for assessing hepatic steatosis during 1st consultation (278.57±49.13 dB/m) was significantly improved (P=0.03) after 6 months of lifestyle modification (252.91±62.02 dB/m). Only fasting blood sugar (P=0.008), weight (P=0.000), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.000) showed significant positive correlation with CAP. Only BMI (P=0.034) and weight (P=0.035) were the independent predictor of CAP value in NAFLD patients. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle modification improves the hepatic steatosis, and CAP can be used to detect the improvement of hepatic steatosis during follow-up in patients with NAFLD on lifestyle modification. There is no relation between CAP and Fibroscan score in NAFLD patients. Only BMI and weight can predict CAP value independently.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A biópsia hepática é o método padrão-ouro para avaliação de esteatose hepática. No entanto, é um procedimento invasivo e doloroso que pode causar complicações graves e, portanto, não pode ser usado com frequência em caso de acompanhamento dos pacientes. A avaliação não invasiva de esteatose e fibrose é de crescente relevância na doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA). Para avaliar a esteatose hepática, a elastografia transitória com parâmetro de atenuação controlada (PAC) é uma opção atual. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi de avaliar o papel da medição do PAC, um marcador substituto da esteatose hepática em pacientes da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, com modificação do estilo de vida. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos inicialmente neste estudo 37 participantes acompanhados por 6 meses com elastografia transitória, testes bioquímicos no sangue, e medidas antropométricas. Os resultados foram analisados por análise de regressão linear multivariada e emparelhado em amostras-teste t (teste t-dependente) com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A correlação foi calculada pelos coeficientes de correlação de Pearson. RESULTADOS: O valor do PAC para avaliar esteatose hepática durante a primeira consulta (278,57±49,13 dB/m) foi significativamente melhorado (P=0,03) após 6 meses de modificação do estilo de vida (252,91±62,02 dB/m). Somente a glicemia de jejum (P=0,008), o peso (valor de P=0,000), o índice de massa corporal (IMC) (P=0,000) mostraram correlação positiva significativa com PAC. Apenas o IMC (P=0,034) e o peso (P=0,035) foram o preditores independentes de valor de PAC em pacientes com DHGNA. CONCLUSÃO: A modificação do estilo de vida melhora a esteatose hepática, e o PAC pode ser usado para detectar a melhoria da esteatose hepática durante o seguimento em pacientes com DHGNA. Não existe relação entre o PAC e o escore do Fibroscan em pacientes com DHGNA. Só o IMC e o peso podem prever o valor do PAC independentemente.

Enfisema masivo subcutáneo posterior a la realización de una colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica con esfinterotomia y síndrome de lemmel / Massive subcutaneus emphysema following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy and lemmel syndrome

La colangiopancreatografia endoscópica es un procedimiento muy frecuente en nuestro medio como parte del diagnóstico y tratamiento de patologías de la vía biliar, sin embargo no es exento de complicaciones algunas de ella pueden considerarse graves. En el presente caso clínico se presenta una paciente femenina de 55 años, a la cual se le realizo una CPRE con Diagnóstico de un síndrome de Lemmel, se le realizo esfinterotomía, a las cuatro horas post procedimiento desarrolla un enfisema subcutáneo masivo además de neumperitoneo y neumotórax, sin datos de peritonismo ni dolor abdominal. Se presenta el caso debido a lo llamativo de la presentación clínica, la resolución rápida solo con manejo conservador. En conclusión al parecer se produce esta complicación post CPRE debido a una microperforación, no existe una perforación evidente duodenal, o biliar, y el divertículo suprapapilar actúa como un sistema de baja presión con efecto valvular produciendo escape de aire hacia planos faciales subcutáneos peritoneales y pleurales debido a la insuflación por el duodenoscopio, el manejo es conservador y de buen pronóstico.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), is a very common procedure in our commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary pathology, though not without complications, some of them can be considered serious. In this case report a female patient of 55 years old is presented, which is performed ERCP with Syndrome diagnosis Lemmel, with sphincterotomy, at four hours post procedure developed massive subcutaneous emphysema besides pneumoperitoneum and pneumothorax, no data of peritonitis or abdominal pain, clinical case due to the striking of the clinical presentation and rapid resolution with conservative management alone is presented. In conclusion apparently this post ERCP complication due to Microperforation occurs, there is no apparent biliary or duodenal perforation, and supra papillary diverticulum acts as a low pressure system with valve effect causing air leakage into subcutaneous fascial planes, and peritoneal and pleural due insufflation with duodenoscope, management is conservative and good prognosis.

Usefulness of the Controlled Attenuation Parameter for Detecting Liver Steatosis in Health Checkup Examinees

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) implemented in FibroScan(R) is reported to be a non-invasive means of detecting steatosis (>10% steatosis). We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of CAP in detecting steatosis among health checkup examinees and to assess its correlation with ultrasonography (US). METHODS: Consecutive CAP results were retrospectively collected. A total of 280 subjects were included. RESULTS: Fatty liver was detected in 119 subjects (42.5%) by US, whereas it was detected in 160 subjects (57.1%) by the CAP. The numbers of subjects with S0:S1:S2:S3 steatosis according to the CAP value were 120:59:58:43, respectively. The mean CAP values were 203.34+/-28.39 dB/m for S0, 248.83+/-6.14 dB/m for S1, 274.33+/-8.53 dB/m for S2, and 322.35+/-22.20 dB/m for S3. CAP values were correlated with body weight (r=0.404, p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.445, p<0.001), and the fatty liver grade by US (r=0.472, p<0.001). Among the 161 subjects with normal US findings, steatosis was detected in 65 subjects (40.4%) using the CAP. CONCLUSIONS: The CAP seems to be useful for detecting very low-grade hepatic steatosis in health checkup examinees. Its role in predicting subjects with a risk of metabolic derangement needs to be evaluated.

Usefulness of the Controlled Attenuation Parameter for Detecting Liver Steatosis in Health Checkup Examinees

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) implemented in FibroScan(R) is reported to be a non-invasive means of detecting steatosis (>10% steatosis). We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of CAP in detecting steatosis among health checkup examinees and to assess its correlation with ultrasonography (US). METHODS: Consecutive CAP results were retrospectively collected. A total of 280 subjects were included. RESULTS: Fatty liver was detected in 119 subjects (42.5%) by US, whereas it was detected in 160 subjects (57.1%) by the CAP. The numbers of subjects with S0:S1:S2:S3 steatosis according to the CAP value were 120:59:58:43, respectively. The mean CAP values were 203.34+/-28.39 dB/m for S0, 248.83+/-6.14 dB/m for S1, 274.33+/-8.53 dB/m for S2, and 322.35+/-22.20 dB/m for S3. CAP values were correlated with body weight (r=0.404, p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.445, p<0.001), and the fatty liver grade by US (r=0.472, p<0.001). Among the 161 subjects with normal US findings, steatosis was detected in 65 subjects (40.4%) using the CAP. CONCLUSIONS: The CAP seems to be useful for detecting very low-grade hepatic steatosis in health checkup examinees. Its role in predicting subjects with a risk of metabolic derangement needs to be evaluated.

Elevated serum bilirubin levels are inversely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

No abstract available.

Association of hypoadiponectinemia with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in urban south Indians - (CURES - 81).

Background & objective: Association between adiponectin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in west. Studies in Indian population are lacking. This study was undertaken to assess the association of hypoadiponectinemia with NAFLD in Asian Indians. Method: In this cross-sectional study, subjects were randomly selected from Phase 5 of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES), an epidemiological study based on a representative population of Chennai in south India. One hundred twenty one subjects without NAFLD and 72 subjects with NAFLD were selected. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Serum adiponectin levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. Insulin resistance was calculated using Homeostasis Assessment model (HOMA-IR). Results: Serum adiponectin values were significantly lower in subjects with NAFLD compared to those without [5.6 μg/ml (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.0 - 6.3 μg/ml] vs 7.4 μg/ml (95% CI: 6.7 - 8.1 μg/ml, P<0.01). Adiponectin levels decreased with increasing severity of NAFLD. Subjects with moderate to severe steatosis had significantly lower adiponectin levels (5.1μg/ml, 95% CI: 4.1- 6.4 μg/ml) compared to subjects with mild steatosis (5.9 μg/ml, 95% CI: 5.0 - 6.9 μg/ml; P<0.001) and subjects without NAFLD (7.3 μg/ml, 95% CI: 6.6 - 8.0 μg/ml; P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed adiponectin to be negatively associated with NAFLD [Odds Ratio (OR): 0.865, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.792- 0.944, P=0.001]. This remained statistically significant even after adjusting for confounding factors age, gender, body mass index, insulin resistance, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose intolerance (OR: 0.873, 95% CI: 0.793 - 0.961; P=0.005). Interpretation & conclusion: NAFLD is associated with lower serum adiponectin levels independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Indians known to have high prevalence of diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (EHAG): relato de caso / Acute hepatic steatosis of pregnancy: case report

As alterações hepáticas na gestação e puerpério têm extrema importância devido à alta letalidade. A esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez (EHAG) frequentemente é grave e tem alterações bioquímicas que interferem no crescimento e evolução fetal. Em 2% dos casos de EHAG as pacientes evoluem para insuficiência hepática aguda grave e irreversível, necessitando de transplante hepático de urgência.1 As mulheres são jovens e previamente saudáveis e veem-se, por vezes, envolvidas numa série de acontecimentos que evoluem rápida e eventualmente de forma devastadora, entretanto, as mulheres que sobrevivem à doença possuem gestações subsequentes normais, reafirmando a etiologia indefinida.2 Este relato apresenta paciente primigesta, de 30 anos de idade, sem intercorrências pré-natais, que apresentou EHAG, evoluindo com hemorragias, hipoglicemia, insuficiência renal e hepática.3 O diagnóstico e o tratamento rápido e adequado foram essenciais para a sobrevida da paciente, tendo em vista as complicações graves. O mau prognóstico reduziu-se drasticamente e atualmente é favorável devido às novas pesquisas.(AU)

Changes to the liver in pregnancy and post-natal period is extremely important due to high lethality. The acute hepatic steatosis of pregnancy (EHAG) is a serious and often has biochemical changes affecting fetal growth and development. At around 2% of cases of EHAG patients evolve to acute liver needs serious and irreversible liver transplant. Women are young and previously healthy and are sometimes involved in a series of events quickly evolutionary and possibly devastating, however women who survive the disease have subsequent normal pregnancies, reaffirming the etiology is undefined. We are basing ourselves on a case report of a female patient, 30 years, first pregnancy and without problems during pre-natal that is presenting EHAG evolving with bleeding, hypoglycemia, kidney and liver failure. Diagnosis and appropriate and prompt treatment are essential for the patient's life, in view of the serious complications. The prognosis reduced dramatically, and currently is in favour because the new searches.(AU)

Caso clínico-radiológico: esteatosis hepática y sus manifestaciones en los distintos métodos de imágenes / Fatty liver disease and manifestations at different imaging modalities

La esteatosis hepática es una condición muy frecuente en pacientes que se realizan chequeos médicos, fácil de diagnosticar al Ultrasonido, Tomografía Computada y Resonancia Magnética. Se asocia principalmente a obesidad, resistencia a la insulina y abuso de alcohol. Esta entidad puede tener distintas manifestaciones en los estudios de imágenes, algunas de las cuales pueden llevar a procedimientos innecesarios, por lo que es muy importante que el radiólogo esté familiarizado con éstas

Fatty liver is a common condition in patients at preventive check-up, easy to diagnose at Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance. Is associated to obesity, insulin resistence and alcohol abuse. There are different manifestations of fatty liver disease at imaging, some of them confusing. In order to avoid unnecessary procedures, it is very important for radiologists to be aware of them

Role of alanine transaminase as an indicator of non alcoholic fatty liver patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus

This study was carried out to see the role of Alanine transaminase [ALT] as an indicator of Non Alcoholic Fatty liver disease [NAFLD] in patients having Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. This was a descriptive study carried out al PMRC FJMC Lahore. A total of 63 diabetic cases that were diagnosed on ultrasonography as nonalcoholic fatty liver were recruited in this study. Demographic profile of the patients were recorded and all were subjected to lab investigation which included random blood glucose, serum triglycerides and liver function tests including viral marker of the hepatitis. Fatty liver was more prevalent in female patients 47 out of 63 [74.6%] and is more common above 40 years of age, median age being 46 years. The duration of disease was prolonged with median of 6 years. It is seen that 28/63 [44.5%] were hypertensive, 31% had hyperlipidemia and 9.5% were having ischemic heart disease. Majority of patients 28 out of 63 [44.5%] had hepatomegaly. The liver enzymes results showed that 12 of the 63 [19%] were positive for hepatitis B and C and had ALT level raised with mean of 63.00 +/- 40.66. While, among the other 51 patients without hepatitis B and C ALT level were within normal range in 36 [71%] of the cases. While in rest of 29%%15 out of 51 they were only mildly elevated. Thus showing that ALT has no role as an indicator of fatty liver. Alanine transaminase is not an indicator of NAFLD and mild elevation can be due to the metabolic disturbances in type-2 diabetic patients. It is therefore, suggested that ultrasound graph is a good tool to detect the NAFLD in its early stage

effect of weight reduction on ultrasonographic findings of non alcoholic fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL] includes a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] and cirrhosis. NAFL is typically seen in association with obesity, diabetes and hypertriglyceridaemia. In order to seek the role of diet therapy in treatment of NAFL, we compared the ultrasonographic findings of patients with fatty liver disease before and after standard diet therapy. Twenty-three overweight or obese subjects with incidental fatty liver discovered during ultrasonography were included. Subjects underwent 3 months of diet therapy, and anthropometric data including weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured. Ultrasonographic findings were graded from 0 to 3. Changes in ultrasonographic findings and anthropometric data were studied. After three months of dieting, the ultrasonographic grade of all patients decreased by one or two grades. Fifteen patients decreased one grade while 8 others decreased by 2 grades. We observed a significant correlation between the decrease in ultrasonographic grade and the decrease in weight and BMI. Our study indicates that standard diet therapy could be used as an effective treatment for NAFL patients

A case-control study on insulin resistance, metabolic co-variates & prediction score in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background & objectives: Asian Indians have a high prevalence of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Currently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be an integral part of the metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance as a central pathogenic factor. We studied anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance and metabolic co-variates in subjects with NAFLD as compared to those without NAFLD, and also developed a prediction score for NAFLD. Methods: Thirty nine subjects with NAFLD and 82 controls were selected for the study after ultrasonography of 121 consecutive apparently healthy subjects. Anthropometric profile [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) etc,], lipid profile, hepatic aminotransferases, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin were recorded and value of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was analysed. Step-wise logistic regression analysis and area under the receiver operator curve (aROC) were analysed to arrive at a prediction score. Results: Overall, prevalence of NAFLD was 32.2 per cent and prevalence of metabolic syndrome was seen in 41 per cent among cases and 19.5 per cent in controls (P<0.01). Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher values of BMI, WC, hip circumference, FBG, fasting insulin, total cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Step-wise logistic regression analysis showed odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) for BMI [ 4.3 (1.6, 11.3)], FBG [5.5 (1.5, 19.8)] and fasting insulin [ 2.4 (1.0, 5.8)] as independent predictors of NAFLD. The prediction score for NAFLD was; 1 (fasting insulin) +1.6 (BMI) + 1.9 (FBG) (sensitivity of 84.6%, specificity of 51.2% and aROC 76%). Interpretation & conclusion: In this study, presence of NAFLD indicated close relationship with multiple features of metabolic syndrome. The prediction score developed could be used as a screening tool to predict NAFLD among Asian Indians in north India.

Fatty liver overweight and obese patients in western part of Saudi arabia

the aim of the study is to determine the association of fatty liver diagnosed by ultrasound and obesity in patients presented to King Abdul aziz university hospital. A clinical notes review as performed of all patients undergoing evaluation for fatty liver associated with obesity over one year period between April 2003- to April 2004. Data included age, gender, nationality, BMI serum level of alanine [ALT] and aspartate [AST] transaminases, bilurubin, albumin, HbAIc, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and TSH,and clinical presentation of abdominal pain or the presence of hepatomegaly. A total of 235 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study group was 46 +/- 14.4 years with 82 males [35%] and 153 females [65%]. Mean +/- SD aspartate aminotransferase level was 43.9 +/- 6.18.1 units/ L, alanine aminotrnsferease was 36.2 +/- 5.1 units/L. Values of transaminase above the normal range was present in 15 [6.4%] patients only. Whereas values of cholesterol and triglyceride above normal range was seen in [7.2%] 17 patients. Over weight and obesity were the main risk factors in our study group. Mean BMI was 33.6 +/- 7.5 Kg/m2. Obesity with diabetes is the most important risk for fatty liver. 78 [33%] of our study group patient were diabetic. Other risk factors associated with fatty liver are metabolic syndrome which reported in 14.9% and hypothrodism in 3.8% subjects. Conclusion and recommendations: Overweight and obesity is the most important risk factor for fatty liver in Saudi Arabia. It is more prevalent in females. Ultrasound appears to be a useful non- invasive tool to determine liver involvement with fatty liver in obese adult even in the absence of hypertraninasemia. We should encourage obese subjects for gradual weight reduction to improve the liver abnormalities