Thrombocytopenia as a marker of liver steatosis in a low-endemic area for schistosomiasis mansoni / Trombocitopenia como marcador de esteatose hepática em áreas de baixa endemicidade de esquistossomose mansoni

Summary Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is commonly found in patients living in highly endemic areas for Schistosoma mansoni. Recently, different degrees of liver steatosis have also been associated with low platelet counts worldwide. We investigated the association of platelet counts with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and with liver steatosis in an area of low prevalence of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Method: Pains, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, had a population of 8,307 inhabitants and a schistosomiasis prevalence of 8%. Four micro-areas comprising 1,045 inhabitants were selected for this study. Blood sample was collected and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed. Eighty-seven (87) patients had low platelet counts (group 1 - 8.3%) and 94 volunteers presenting normal CBC were randomized (group 2 - 8.9%). They underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations. Liver steatosis was determined as either present or absent using abdominal ultrasound. A spleen > 12 cm in length, measured by ultrasound (US), was considered to be increased. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.0. Results: Twenty-two patients (22/25.3%) in group 1 had liver steatosis compared with 11 volunteers (11.7%) in group 2 (p=0.02). Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis was diagnosed in two patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia was not a good marker of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni in a low prevalence area in Brazil. Liver steatosis was associated with thrombocytopenia in our study.

Resumo Introdução: Trombocitopenia é um achado comum em pacientes que residem em áreas com alta endemicidade de esquistossomose mansônica. Recentemente, diferentes graus de esteatose hepática também têm sido associados a níveis baixos de plaquetas em todo o mundo. Investigamos a associação de níveis séricos de plaquetas com a forma grave da esquistossomose e com esteatose hepática em área de baixa prevalência de esquistossomose no Brasil. Método: Pains, cidade localizada no estado de Minas Gerais/Brasil, tem população de 8.307 habitantes e prevalência de esquistossomose de 8%. Em quatro microáreas dessa região, 1.045 habitantes foram avaliados para o estudo. Amostra de sangue foi coletada para realização do hemograma. Oitenta e sete (87) pessoas com níveis baixos de plaquetas formaram o grupo 1 (8,3%), e 94 voluntários com hemograma normal foram randomizados para compor o grupo 2 (8,9%). Todos os participantes dos grupos 1 e 2 foram submetidos a exame clínico e ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Esteatose hepática foi caracterizada como presente ou ausente pela ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Baços com mais de 12 cm de comprimento à US foram considerados aumentados. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo programa de estatística SPSS 19.0. Resultados: Vinte e dois (22) indivíduos do grupo 1 (25,3%) e 11 do grupo 2 apresentaram esteatose hepática (11,7%) (p=0,02). Esquistossomose hepatoesplênica foi diagnosticada em dois pacientes (p>0,05). Conclusão: Trombocitopenia não foi um bom marcador de esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica em área de baixa prevalência da esquistossomose no Brasil. Esteatose hepática foi associada com trombocitopenia no presente estudo.

Hiperuricemia y componentes del síndrome metabólico en niños y adolescentes obesos / Hyperuricaemia and metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents

Introducción: La hiperuricemia se ha observado como una alteración metabólica adicional en pacientes adultos obesos, pero es poco conocida su magnitud en pacientes pediátricos. Objetivos: Analizar la asociación entre ácido úrico sérico (AUS) con magnitud de la obesidad general y visceral y con otras mediciones bioquímicas en niños y adolescentes obesos de Santiago, Chile. Sujetos y método: En un estudio transversal se evaluaron 770 niños (edades: 6-15 años) de un colegio público de Santiago, Chile, encontrando 227 obesos (29%) (IMC > 2 DE, estándares OMS). Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 90 niños y aceptaron participar 77, sin otras enfermedades crónicas. Se evaluó: peso, talla, perímetro abdominal, adiposidad visceral con ultrasonografía abdominal y mediciones metabólicas: insulinemia, glucemia (HOMA), lípidos séricos, aspartato aminotransferasa, alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y AUS. Resultados: Las concentraciones de AUS fueron 0,200 ± 0,065 mmol/l. El AUS fue mayor en niños con valores de hiperinsulinismo (ajustado según edad): 0,221 ± 0,075 vs 0,183 ± 0,054 mmol/l (p < 0,01), sin diferencias según HOMA; las diferencias también se observaron según ALT (> vs < 26 U/ml): 0,238 ± 0,070 vs 0,178 ± 0,054 mmol/l, p < 0,001; la regresión logística controlando por sexo, edad e intensidad de la obesidad mostró solo las ALT asociadas a aumento de AUS. No hubo asociación de mayor AUS con magnitud de IMC, adiposidad visceral o hígado graso. Conclusiones: Los niños y adolescentes obesos de Santiago, Chile, tienen una uricemia mayor en asociación a un aumento de la actividad de la enzima ALT e hiperinsulinismo. Se justifica analizar uricemia en el estudio de niños obesos y en su seguimiento.

Introduction: Hyperuricaemia has been suggested as an additional metabolic factor in adult obese patients, but it has not been sufficiently studied in paediatric. Objectives: To assess the relationship between serum uric acid levels (SUAL) with the level of general and visceral obesity, and other biochemical parameters in children and adolescents of Santiago, Chile. Subjects and method: A cross sectional study was conducted on 770 children and adolescents (ages: 6-15 y.) from a public school in Santiago, Chile, of whom 227 (29%) were obese (BMI > 2 SD, WHO growth standards). Ninety subjects were randomly selected and 77 with no other chronic disease (41 males) accepted to participate. Data was collected on weight, stature, abdominal circumference (AC), visceral adiposity using ultrasound, and other biochemical measurements including fasting glucose, insulin, serum lipids, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and SUAL. Results: The mean SUAL was 0.200 ± 0.065 mmol/L, and was increased in children with hyperinsulinism (adjusted by age: 0.221 ± 0.075 vs 0.183 ± 0.054 mmol/L; P < .01), with no significant differences according to HOMA. Differences were also found between children with ALT > or < 26 U/mL: 0.238 ± 0.070 vs 0.178 ± 0.054 mmol/L, P < .001. The logistic regression showed the increased SUAL was only associated with increased ALT. No significant differences were found in general or visceral adiposity measurements or fatty liver. Conclusions: Children and adolescents from Santiago, Chile have higher uric acid serum uric acid levels as well as an association with increased ALT and insulin. It is demonstrated in this study that uric acid should be measured in obese children and adolescents, and in their follow up.

Diagnostic accuracy of a noninvasive hepatic ultrasound score for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) / Acurácia diagnóstica de um escore de ultrassonografia hepática não invasivo para doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil)

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive strategies for evaluating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been investigated over the last few decades. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new hepatic ultrasound score for NAFLD in the ELSA-Brasil study. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Diagnostic accuracy study conducted in the ELSA center, in the hospital of a public university. METHODS: Among the 15,105 participants of the ELSA study who were evaluated for NAFLD, 195 individuals were included in this sub-study. Hepatic ultrasound was performed (deep beam attenuation, hepatorenal index and anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe) and compared with the hepatic steatosis findings from 64-channel high-resolution computed tomography (CT). We also evaluated two clinical indices relating to NAFLD: the fatty liver index (FLI) and the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). RESULTS: Among the 195 participants, the NAFLD frequency was 34.4%. High body mass index, high waist circumference, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia were associated with high hepatic attenuation and large anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, but not with the hepatorenal index. The hepatic ultrasound score, based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe, presented the best performance for NAFLD screening at the cutoff point ≥ 1 point; sensitivity: 85.1%; specificity: 73.4%; accuracy: 79.3%; and area under the curve (AUC 0.85; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.78-0.91)]. FLI and HSI presented lower performance (AUC 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69-0.83) than CT. CONCLUSION: The hepatic ultrasound score based on hepatic attenuation and the anteroposterior diameter of the right hepatic lobe has good reproducibility and accuracy for NAFLD screening. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Estratégias não invasivas para avaliar doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) têm sido investigadas nas últimas décadas. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica de um novo escore de ultrassonografia hepática para DHGNA no estudo ELSA-Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de acurácia diagnóstica realizado no centro ELSA, no hospital de uma universidade pública. MÉTODOS: Dos 15.105 participantes do estudo ELSA avaliados para DHGNA, 195 indivíduos foram incluídos neste estudo. Foi realizada ultrassonografia hepática (atenuação do feixe de profundidade, índice hepatorrenal e diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado) que foi comparada aos achados de esteatose hepática da tomografia computadorizada (TC) de alta resolução de 64 canais. Avaliamos também dois índices clínicos relacionados à DHGNA: o índice de gordura hepática (FLI) e o índice de esteatose hepática (HSI). RESULTADOS: Entre os 195 participantes, a frequência de DHGNA foi de 34,4%. Altos índices de massa corpórea, circunferência de cintura, diabetes e hipertrigliceridemia foram associados a aumento da atenuação hepática e do diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo hepático direito, mas não ao índice hepato-renal. A pontuação da ultrassonografia hepática, que incluiu atenuação hepática e diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado, apresentou o melhor desempenho para o rastreio DHGNA sob o ponto de corte ≥ 1 ponto (sensibilidade: 85.1%; especificidade: 73.4%; acurácia: 79.3%), e área sob a curva (AUC, 0,85, IC 95%: 0,78-0,91). FLI e HSI apresentaram menor desempenho (AUC 0,76; IC 95%: 0,69-0,83) comparados à TC. CONCLUSÃO: O escore de ultrassonografia hepática, que incluiu atenuação hepática e o diâmetro anteroposterior do lobo direito do fígado, possui boa reprodutibilidade e acurácia para o rastreio de DHGNA. .

The association between preoperative chemotherapy and the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer / Associação da quimioterapia pré-operatória e a prevalência de esteatose hepática em hepatectomias por metástase de câncer colorretal

BACKGROUND: Some studies have suggested that preoperative chemotherapy for hepatic colorectal metastases may cause hepatic injury and increase perioperative morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study in which 166 patients underwent 185 hepatectomies for metastatic colorectal cancer with or without associated preoperative chemotherapy from 2004 to 2011. The data were obtained from a review of the medical records and an analysis of the anatomopathological report on the non-tumor portion of the surgical specimen. The study sample was divided into two groups: those who were exposed and those who were unexposed to chemotherapy. RESULTS: From the hepatectomies, 136 cases (73.5%) underwent preoperative chemotherapy, with most (62.5%) using a regimen of 5-fluorouracil + leucovorin. A 40% greater risk of cell damage was detected in 62% of the exposed group. The predominant histological pattern of the cell damage was steatosis, which was detected in 51% of the exposed cases. Exposure to chemotherapy increased the risk of steatosis by 2.2 fold. However, when the risk factors were controlled, only the presence of risk of hepatopathy was associated with steatosis, with a relative risk of 4 (2.7-5.9). CONCLUSION: Patients exposed to chemotherapy have 2.2 times the risk of developing hepatic steatosis, and its occurrence is associated with the presence of predisposing factors such as diabetes mellitus and hepatopathy. .

RACIONAL: Alguns estudos sugerem que a quimioterapia pré-operatória para metástases hepáticas do câncer colorretal pode causar dano celular e aumentar morbidade e mortalidade. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência de esteatose hepática em fígados de pacientes expostos à quimioterapia pré-operatória por metástase de câncer colorretal. MÉTODOS: O delineamento do estudo foi observacional de coorte retrospectivo, no qual 166 pacientes foram submetidos a 185 hepactectomias por metástase de câncer colorretal, com e sem quimioterapia pré-operatória, no período de 2004 a 2011. Os dados foram extraídos da revisão dos prontuários e da análise do laudo anatomopatológico da parte não tumoral da peça cirúrgica. A amostra foi dividida em grupo exposto e não-exposto à quimioterapia. Os dados foram analisados por programa estatístico Stata 11.2, e aplicado o teste exato de Fischer para análise bivariada, e a regressão de Poisson, para análise multivariada; valores p< 0,05 foram considerados como significativos. RESULTADOS: Das hepatectomias, 136 casos (73,5%) receberam quimioterapia pré-operatória, e o regime mais utilizado (62,5%) foi 5-fluorouracila+leucovorin. No grupo exposto, a lesão hepatocelular esteve presente em 62% dos casos e correspondeu a risco de 40% em relação ao grupo não-exposto. O padrão histológico da lesão hepatocelular predominante foi a esteatose, em 51% de casos do grupo exposto. A exposição à quimioterapia aumentou em 2,2 vezes a possibilidade de esteatose. Entretanto, quando foram controlados os fatores de risco, somente a hepatopatia prévia esteve associada à presença de esteatose após quimioterapia com risco relativo de 4 (2,7-5,9). CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes expostos ...

Biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators as predictors of hepatic steatosis in obese adolescents / Indicadores bioquímicos, antropométricos y de composición corporal como predictores de la esteatosis hepática en adolescentes obesos / Indicadores bioquímicos, antropométricos e de composição corporal como preditores da esteatose hepática em adolescentes obesos

To describe the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and to assess the performance of biochemical, anthropometric and body composition indicators for hepatic steatosis in obese teenagers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 79 adolecents aged from ten to 18 years old. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound in case of moderate or intense hepatorenal contrast and/or a difference in the histogram ≥7 on the right kidney cortex. The insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index for values >3.16. Anthropometric and body composition indicators consisted of body mass index, body fat percentage, abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat. Fasting glycemia and insulin, lipid profile and hepatic enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, were also evaluated. In order to assess the performance of these indicators in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in teenagers, a ROC curve analysis was applied. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis was found in 20% of the patients and insulin resistance, in 29%. Gamma-glutamyltransferase and HOMA-IR were good indicators for predicting hepatic steatosis, with a cutoff of 1.06 times above the reference value for gamma-glutamyltransferase and 3.28 times for the HOMA-IR. The anthropometric indicators, the body fat percentage, the lipid profile, the glycemia and the aspartate aminotransferase did not present significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high gamma-glutamyltransferase level and/or HOMA-IR should be submitted to abdominal ultrasound examination due to the increased chance of having hepatic steatosis...

Describir la prevalencia de la esteatosis hepática y evaluar el desempeño de indicadores bioquímicos, antropométricos y de composición corporal para identificar la enfermedad en adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 79 adolescentes de 10 a 18 años. Se diagnosticó la esteatosis hepática por ultrasonido abdominal en caso de contraste hepatorrenal moderado o intenso y/o diferencia en el histograma ≥7 con relación al córtex del riñón derecho. Se determinó la resistencia a la insulina por el índice Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistence (HOMA-IR) para valores >3,16. Los indicadores antropométricos y de composición corporal fueron índice de masa corporal, porcentaje de grasa corporal, circunferencia abdominal y grasa subcutánea. Se dosificaron glucemia e insulina en ayuno, perfil lipídico y las encimas hepáticas aspartato aminotransferasa, alanina aminotransferasa, gama-glutamiltransferasa y fosfatasa alcalina. Se analizaron curvas ROC para evaluar el desempeño de los indicadores en identificar adolescentes con esteatosis hepática. RESULTADOS: La esteatosis hepática estuvo presente en el 20% de los pacientes y la resistencia a la insulina, en el 29%. La gama-glutamiltransferasa y el HOMA-IR se mostraron buenos indicadores para predecir la esteatosis hepática, con punto de corte de 1,06 veces por encima del valor de referencia para la gama-glutamiltransferasa y de 3,28 para el HOMA-IR. Los indicadores antropométricos, el porcentaje de grasa corporal, el perfil lipídico, la glucemia y la aspartato aminotransferasa no presentaron diferencias significantes. CONCLUSIONES: Pacientes con elevación de gama-glutamiltransferasa y/o HOMA-IR deben ser sometidos al examen de ultrasonido abdominal con gran probabilidad de obtenerse como resultado la esteatosis...

Descrever a prevalência da esteatose hepática e avaliar o desempenho de indicadores bioquímicos, antropométricos e de composição corporal para identificar a doença em adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 79 adolescentes de dez a 18 anos. Diagnosticou-se a esteatose hepática por ultrassom abdominal em caso de contraste hepatorrenal moderado ou intenso e/ou diferença no histograma ≥7 em relação ao córtex do rim direito. Determinou-se a resistência à insulina pelo índice Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) para valores >3,16. Os indicadores antropométricos e de composição corporal foram: índice de massa corpórea, porcentagem de gordura corporal, circunferência abdominal e gordura subcutânea. Dosaram-se glicemia e insulina de jejum, perfil lipídico e enzimas hepáticas aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, gama-glutamiltransferase e fosfatase alcalina. Aplicou-se a curva ROC para avaliar o desempenho dos indicadores para identificar adolescentes com esteatose hepática. RESULTADOS: A esteatose hepática esteve presente em 20% dos pacientes e a resistência à insulina, em 29%. A gama-glutamiltransferase e o HOMA-IR mostraram-se bons indicadores para predizer a esteatose hepática, com ponto de corte de 1,06 vezes acima do valor de referência para a gama-glutamiltransferase e de 3,28 para o HOMA-IR. Os indicadores antropométricos, a porcentagem de gordura corporal, o perfil lipídico, a glicemia e a aspartato aminotransferase não apresentaram diferenças significantes. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com elevação de gama-glutamiltransferase e/ou HOMA-IR devem ser submetidos ao exame de ultrassom abdominal, havendo grande probabilidade de se obter como resultado a esteatose hepática...

Cholelithiasis in obese adolescents treated at an outpatient clinic / Litíase biliar em adolescentes obesos atendidos em ambulatório

OBJECTIVE: to describe the frequency and the factors associated with cholelithiasis in obese adolescents. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed with the adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age treated at the Child and Adolescent Obesity Outpatient Clinic from May to December of 2011. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) > P97, and overweight as BMI > P85, for age and gender, according to the 2007 World Health Organization reference. A questionnaire concerning the presence of signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intolerance to fat, was administered. Patients were asked about how many kilograms they had lost and in how much time. Laboratory parameters were: triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Cholelithiasis and hepatic steatosis were diagnosed by ultrasonography. RESULTS: cholelithiasis was diagnosed in 6.1% (4/66) of the obese adolescents, most of whom were female (3/4); hepatic steatosis was identified in 21.2% (14/66). Intolerance to dietary fat was reported by all patients with cholelithiasis (4/4) and by 17.7% (11/62) of the group without cholelithiasis (p = 0.001). The average weight loss was 6.0 ± 2.9 kg in the patients with cholelithiasis and 3.2 ± 4.8 kg in the group without cholelithiasis (p = 0.04). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding the time of weight loss (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: cholelithiasis and hepatic steatosis are frequent among obese adolescents and should be investigated systematically in the presence or absence of symptoms. .

OBJETIVO: descrever a frequência e os fatores associados à litíase biliar em adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo tipo corte transversal com adolescentes entre 10 e 19 anos atendidos em ambulatório de obesidade infanto-juvenil, no período de maio a dezembro de 2011. A obesidade foi definida como índice de massa corporal > P97 e o sobrepeso > P85, para idade e sexo, segundo o referencial OMS 2007. Foi aplicado um questionário com dados relacionados à presença de sinais e sintomas, como: dor abdominal, náusea, vômito e intolerância à gordura. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre quantos quilos perderam e em quanto tempo. As variáveis laboratoriais foram: triglicerídeos, colesterol total, lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). A litíase biliar e a esteatose hepática foram diagnosticadas por ultrassonografia. RESULTADOS: a litíase biliar foi diagnosticada em 6,1% (4/66) dos adolescentes obesos, a maioria do sexo feminino (3/4); a esteatose hepática foi identificada em 21,2% (14/66). Intolerância à gordura da dieta foi referida por todos os portadores de litíase biliar (4/4) e por 17,7% (11/62) do grupo sem litíase biliar (0,001). A média de perda de peso foi de 6,0 ± 2,9 kg nos pacientes com litíase biliar e 3,2 ± 4,8 kg no grupo sem litíase biliar (p = 0,04). Porém, em relação ao tempo de perda não houve diferença entre os dois grupos (p = 0,11). CONCLUSÕES: a litíase biliar e a esteatose hepática são frequentes entre adolescentes obesos e devem ser investigadas sistematicamente na presença ou ausência de sintomas. .

Esteatosis hepática, grasa visceral y alteraciones metabólicas, en individuos con sobrepeso/obesidad aparentemente sanos / Hepatic steatosis, visceral fat and metabolic alterations in apparently healthy overweight/obese individuals

La observación clínica indica que muchos obesos no presentan alteraciones metabólicas importantes, por lo que el objetivo del presente estudio fue comprobar si el sobrepeso/obesidad (SP/OB) simple, no asociado a otros factores de riesgo, se acompañaba de alteraciones metabólicas; o si estaba presente el fenómeno conocido como “paradoja de la obesidad”. A 30 individuos aparentemente sanos de Maracaibo, Venezuela, entre 20 y 59 años de edad, e índice de masa corporal (IMC) superior a 25 kg/m², y a un grupo control de 11 individuos con IMC inferior a 25 kg/m², se les realizó una historia clínica, medida de parámetros antropométricos, determinaciones basales de glicemia, insulina y lípidos, medición ultrasonográfica para esteatosis hepática y ultrasonografía e impedancia bioeléctrica para estimar la grasa visceral. El estudio demostró que solo en un tercio de los individuos con SP/OB, con elevado IMC y circunferencia de cintura (CC), se encontraron concentraciones elevadas de insulina, HOMA-IR y triglicéridos. A pesar de ello, la presencia de esteatosis hepática fue muy elevada (91%) en el grupo SP/OB, si se compara con 9% en el grupo control. La grasa visceral, en el grupo control, estuvo asociada a la CC y a la glicemia; sin embargo, no se relacionó con el IMC, insulina, HOMA-IR o HDLc; mientras que en el grupo SP/OB, aunque estadísticamente elevada en relación al grupo control, reveló una pérdida de estas asociaciones. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de investigar más la presencia de esteatosis hepática en los individuos con SP/OB, que la estimación de la grasa visceral, para identificar sujetos con alto riesgo cardiometabólico.

Clinical observation indicates that many obese individuals do not display important metabolic alterations. Consequently, the objective of this study was to establish whether simple obesity, non concurrent with other important risk factors, was associated with metabolic alterations; or if the phenomenon known as “obesity paradox” was present. A clinical history, measurements of anthropometric and metabolic parameters and estimation of hepatic steatosis and visceral fat, were determined in 30, apparently healthy, individuals from Maracaibo, Venezuela, between 20 and 59 years of age and a body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg/m²,and compared to a lean control group of 11 individuals with BMI less than 25 kg/m². The study demonstrated that only one third of overweight/obese individuals (OW/OB), with high body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), presented elevated values of insulin, HOMA-IR and triglycerides. Nevertheless, the presence of hepatic steatosis was elevated in the OW/OB group (91%) vs. 9% in the control group. The visceral fat in the lean control group was associated with both, WC and glycemia; however, it was not related to the BMI or insulin, HOMA-IR and HDLc. The visceral fat in the OW/OB group, although elevated in relation to the lean group, revealed a loss of these associations. In the OW/OB it was the BMI that was associated with insulin and HOMA-IR. The results emphasize the importance of investigating for the presence of hepatic steatosis, rather than visceral fat, in individuals with OW/OB, to identify subjects with high cardiometabolic risk.

Relationship of Liver Stiffness and Controlled Attenuation Parameter Measured by Transient Elastography with Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis has been reported in many studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis assessed by transient elastography with diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease. The study population consisted of 979 chronic liver disease patients. Liver fibrosis and steatosis were assessed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) on transient elastography. Diabetes was diagnosed in 165 (16.9%) of 979 patients. The prevalence of diabetes had significant difference among the etiologies of chronic liver disease. Higher degrees of liver fibrosis and steatosis, assessed by LSM and CAP score, showed higher prevalence of diabetes (F0/1 [14%], F2/3 [18%], F4 [31%], P50 yr (OR, 1.52; P=0.046). The degree of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis assessed by transient elastography has significant relationship with the prevalence of diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease.

Relationship of Liver Stiffness and Controlled Attenuation Parameter Measured by Transient Elastography with Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis has been reported in many studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis assessed by transient elastography with diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease. The study population consisted of 979 chronic liver disease patients. Liver fibrosis and steatosis were assessed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) on transient elastography. Diabetes was diagnosed in 165 (16.9%) of 979 patients. The prevalence of diabetes had significant difference among the etiologies of chronic liver disease. Higher degrees of liver fibrosis and steatosis, assessed by LSM and CAP score, showed higher prevalence of diabetes (F0/1 [14%], F2/3 [18%], F4 [31%], P50 yr (OR, 1.52; P=0.046). The degree of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis assessed by transient elastography has significant relationship with the prevalence of diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease.

Hígado graso no alcohólico en pediatría / Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver

La obesidad es un síndrome o trastorno nutricional multifactorial complejo con causas genéticas, conductuales y ambientales, es la forma más común de malnutrición en los países desarrollados y en muchos en vías de desarrollo. El HGNA se define como una entidad anátomo-patológica con la acumulación macrovesicular de grasa (triglicéridos) superior al 5 por ciento de los hepatocitos. El espectro de esta enfermedad incluye la esteatosis simple, la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, que puede acompañarse de varios grados de fibrosis, y en su etapa final la cirrosis. El objetivo de esta revisión resumir en forma monográfica los aspectos más esenciales de esta afección en pediatría para el uso de cualquier especialista médico...

Obesity is a complex multifactor nutritional syndrome or disease with genetic, behavioral and environmental causes, and it is also the most common form of malnutrition in developed and in many developing countries. The NAFL is defined as an anatomical-pathological disease showing over 5 percent macrovesicular accumulation of adiposity (triglycerides) in hepatocytes. The spectrum of this disease includes simple steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis that may be accompanied by several levels of fibrosis, and finally cirrhosis in the final stage. The objective of this review was to summarize in a monographic way the most essential aspects of this disease at pediatric ages so that this information may be used by any medical expert...

The spectrum of non alcoholic fatty liver disease in morbidly obese patients: prevalence and associate risk factors

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to identify risk factors associated with the disease spectrum. METHODS: Liver biopsy was performed in 60 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, after other causes of liver disease were excluded. Clinical, biochemical and histological features were evaluated. RESULTS: NAFLD was detected in fifty-seven patients (95%) of the sample and forty patients (66.7%) of the total sample met the criteria for NASH. Perisinusoidal fibrosis was only found in three (7.5%) patients with NASH. The γGT was an independent predictive factor associated with the degree of hepatic steatosis. The variables such as dyslipidemia and ALT were independently associated with the presence of Mallory's corpuscles with the following values, respectively, OR 0, 05, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.75, P = 0.031 and OR 10, 99, 95% CI 1.44 to 83.93, P = 0.021. CONCLUSIONS: Non alcoholic fatty liver disease seems to be an obese-related condition with approximately half of asymptomatic morbidly obese patients having histological NASH. The γGT was an independent predictor of the degree of steatosis.

Serum uric acid levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Uyghur and Han ethnic groups in northwestern China / Concentração sérica de ácido úrico e doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica em grupos étnicos Uyghur e Han no nordeste da China

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare serum uric acid values in two ethnically distinct Chinese populations: Uyghur, with a high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and Han, with a lower prevalence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum uric acid and several clinical features and laboratory tests relevant to the metabolic syndrome were measured in 4,157 Uyghur and 6,448 Han subjects in a health examination program. The diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was established by abdominal ultrasound examination. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was 42.3% and 33.3% among Uyghur and Han subjects, respectively. The corresponding prevalence of hyperuricemia was 8.8% and 14.7%. The mean concentration of serum uric acid in Uyghurs also was lower than in Hans (282.75 vs. 310.79 µmol/L; p < 0.01). However, in both populations, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was increased in association with increasing serum uric acid concentrations, a trend that was more pronounced in Uyghur than in Han subjects (OR 3.279 and 3.230, respectively). Several components of the metabolic syndrome were more pronounced in Uyghurs than in Hans. CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid is an independent risk factor in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in both Uyghurs and Hans, but other risk factors may be more important in the differences in prevalence of the disease between the two ethnic groups.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os valores de ácido úrico em duas populações chinesas etnicamente diferentes: Uyghur, com alta prevalência de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica, e Han, com prevalência mais baixa. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: A concentração sérica de ácido úrico e várias características clínicas e testes laboratoriais relevantes para a síndrome metabólica foram determinados em 4.157 indivíduos Uyghur e 6.448 indivíduos Han submetidos a um programa de checkups. O diagnóstico de esteatose hepática foi estabelecido por ultrassom abdominal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica foi de 42,3% e 33,3% entre os indivíduos Uyghur e Han, respectivamente. A prevalência correspondente de hiperuricemia foi de 8,8% e 14,7%. A concentração sérica média de ácido úrico em Uyghurs também foi mais baixa do que em Hans (282,75 contra 310,79 µmol/L; p < 0,01). Entretanto, em ambas as populações, a prevalência de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica aumentou com a elevação da concentração sérica de ácido úrico, uma tendência mais pronunciada em Uyghurs do que em Hans (OR 3,279 e 3,230, respectivamente). Vários componentes da síndrome metabólica são mais pronunciados em Uyghurs do que em Hans. CONCLUSÕES: A concentração sérica de ácido úrico é um fator de risco independente para a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica tanto em Uyghurs quando em Hans, mas outros fatores de risco podem ser mais importantes nas diferenças na prevalência da doença entre esses dois grupos étnicos.

Relação entre ácido úrico e os componentes da síndrome metabólica e esteatose hepática não alcoólica em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso ou obesidade / Association of uric acid levels with components of metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight or obese children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre a concentração de ácido úrico sérico de acordo com a presença ou não de esteatose hepática não alcoólica e/ou síndrome metabólica (SM) em crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso ou obesidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido no período de abril/2009 a março/2010, incluindo 129 crianças e adolescentes atendidos no Centro de Obesidade Infantil. Foi realizada antropometria, aferição da pressão arterial, dosagem dos exames laboratoriais e o diagnóstico de esteatose hepática por exame ultrassonográfico. Para o diagnóstico de SM, foram utilizados os critérios da National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III adaptados para faixa etária. Para avaliação da associação do ácido úrico com os grupos, foi realizado o teste do Qui-quadrado ou Fisher, adotando-se o intervalo de confiança de 95%. Para comparação de médias, utilizou-se o ANOVA One Way. Para o ajuste das variáveis foi utilizada a regressão logística múltipla. Os dados foram processados no SPSS versão 17. RESULTADOS: Níveis elevados de ácido úrico associaram-se significativamente à adolescência, SM e pressão arterial sistólica. O maior quartil de ácido úrico apresentou valores médios significativamente mais elevados de índice de massa corpórea, circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica, triglicerídeos, colesterol total e HOMA-IR, e menor média do colesterol HDL. No modelo final só permaneceram associadas aos níveis de ácido úrico a faixa etária e a presença de síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÕES: Níveis elevados de ácido úrico estiveram associados à síndrome metabólica e à adolescência, o que não foi observado com a esteatose hepática.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum uric acid concentration according to the presence or absence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight or obese children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April of 2009 to March of 2010, including 129 children and adolescents treated at the Center for Childhood Obesity. Anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, and laboratory test results were obtained, and NAFLD diagnosis was made by ultrasound. The diagnosis of MS was made using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III, adapted to age range. The chi-squared test or or Fisher's test were used to evaluate the association of uric acid with the groups, with a 95% confidence interval. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for comparison of means. Multiple logistic regression was used for adjustment of variables. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), release 17. RESULTS: High levels of uric acid were significantly associated with adolescence, MS, and systolic blood pressure. The highest quartile of uric acid showed significantly higher values of body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA-IR), and lower mean values of HDL cholesterol. In the final model, only age range and the presence of MS remained associated with uric acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of uric acid were associated with MS and adolescence, which was not observed with NAFLD.

Comorbidities in psoriasis.

Moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with concomitant diseases that may have a significant impact on patients. It is necessary for the treating physician to recognize these concomitant diseases, known as comorbidities, early as they influence the management options. Important comorbidities are psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, Crohn’s disease, depression, and cancer. Patients with severe psoriasis may be at an increased risk for myocardial infarction and this subgroup of patients tends to have a reduced life expectancy. The presence of co-morbid diseases is associated with an increase in concomitant medication, some of which may worsen psoriasis; conversely, systemic treatment of psoriasis with certain drugs may impact the co-morbid conditions. As dermatologists are the primary health-care providers for psoriasis, adequate knowledge of comorbidities helps in choosing the appropriate therapy as well as timely intervention.

Comorbidities in psoriasis.

Moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with concomitant diseases that may have a significant impact on patients. It is necessary for the treating physician to recognize these concomitant diseases, known as comorbidities, early as they influence the management options. Important comorbidities are psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome, Crohn's disease, depression, and cancer. Patients with severe psoriasis may be at an increased risk for myocardial infarction and this subgroup of patients tends to have a reduced life expectancy. The presence of co-morbid diseases is associated with an increase in concomitant medication, some of which may worsen psoriasis; conversely, systemic treatment of psoriasis with certain drugs may impact the co-morbid conditions. As dermatologists are the primary health-care providers for psoriasis, adequate knowledge of comorbidities helps in choosing the appropriate therapy as well as timely intervention.

Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease / Associação entre doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica e doença arterial coronariana

OBJECTIVE: Although some investigations have shown a relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases, there are few studies analyzing the relationship between NAFLD and coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this article was to review the relationship between NAFLD and CAD and the methods of diagnosis used to assess such relationship. METHODS: A review was performed using search engines of indexed scientific material, including MEDLINE (by PubMed), Web of Science, IBECS, and LILACS, to identify articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish until August, 2012. The studies were eligible if they included the following data: place and year of publication, prevalence and methods used to diagnose NAFLD (ultrasound, computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance, or biopsy) and CAD (coronary angiography, or computed tomography), and the exclusion of patients due to alcohol consumption greater than 20 g/day. RESULTS: Ten articles were selected, most of which were cross-sectional studies. The studies mostly observed the association between NAFLD and the presence and severity of CAD. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the review showed that evaluating the existence of NAFLD in patients with CAD from its subclinical form up to the symptomatic clinical form is important due to the higher risk of acute myocardial infarction and consequent increase of mortality.

OBJETIVO: Embora algumas investigações demonstrem uma associação entre a doença hepática gordurosa não-alcoólica (DHGNA) e doenças cardiovasculares, existem poucos estudos analisando a relação entre DHGNA e doença arterial coronariana (DAC). O objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão sobre a associação entre DHGNA e CAD e os métodos diagnósticos usados para avaliar esta associação. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura utilizando métodos de busca de material científico indexado, incluindo MEDLINE (através do PubMed), Web of Science, IBECS e LILACS, para identificar artigos publicados em português, inglês e espanhol até agosto de 2012. Os estudos eram elegíveis se incluíam os seguintes dados: local e ano de publicação, prevalência e os métodos utilizados para o diagnóstico da DHGNA (ultrassonografia, tomografia computadorizada, ressonância nuclear magnética ou biópsia) e DAC (angiografia coronária ou tomografia computadorizada),e a exclusão de pacientes com consumo de álcool maior do que 20 g/dia. RESULTADOS: Dez artigos foram selecionados, predominando os estudos de corte transversal. Na maioria dos estudos foi observada a associação entre DHGNAeapresença e gravidade da DAC. CONCLUSÃO: A análise da revisão mostra que é importante avaliar a existência de DHGNA em pacientes com DAC desde sua forma subclínica até a forma clínica sintomática, devido ao maior risco de infarto agudo do miocárdio e consequente aumento da mortalidade.

Doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica e sua relação com a síndrome metabólica no pré-operatório de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica / Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its association with metabolic syndrome in the preoperative period in patients undergoing bariatric surgery

OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) e síndrome metabólica (SM) no período pré-operatório de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados 68 prontuários de pacientes de um centro de tratamento avançado da obesidade da cidade de Caxias do Sul - RS. As variáveis estudadas foram gênero, idade, parâmetros bioquímicos (nível de glicose em jejum, colesterol HDL e triglicerídeos), ultrassonografia abdominal, pressão arterial e antropometria (peso, estatura, circunferência abdominal e Índice de Massa Corporal). O diagnóstico da DHGNA foi obtido pela ultrassonografia abdominal e o da SM através do protocolo descrito pelo National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III, atualizado pela American Heart Association; e a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. RESULTADOS: 72,1% (n = 49) da amostra foi composta pelo gênero feminino e a média de idade encontrada na população foi de 37,57 ± 10,29 anos. A média de peso entre eles foi de 123,14 ± 25,40 kg, a altura de 1,67 ± 0,09 m e o valor médio de IMC de 56,24 ± 9,30 kg/m². Apresentaram diagnóstico de DHGNA 60% (n = 27) dos pacientes portadores de SM (p = 0,008), 63,4% (n = 26) dos pacientes portadores de hipertensão arterial (p = 0,013) e 66,7% (n = 18) dos pacientes que apresentaram níveis glicêmicos alterados (p = 0,028). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram que o diagnóstico de SM, bem como a presença das desordens associadas a esta (obesidade, hipertensão arterial e elevação nos níveis glicêmicos) estão fortemente relacionadas à presença da DHGNA.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in the preoperative period in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 68 medical records of patients from a center for advanced treatment of obesity in the city of Caxias do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were reviewed. The variables analyzed were gender, age, biochemical parameters (fasting glucose, HDLcholesterol and triglycerides), abdominal ultrasound, blood pressure, and anthropometric data (weight, height, waist circumference, and body mass index [BMI]). The diagnosis of NAFLD was obtained by abdominal ultrasonography; the diagnosis of of MS was obtained according to the protocol described by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III, updated by the American Heart Association; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. RESULTS: 72.1% (n = 49) of the sample consisted of females, and the mean age for the sample was 37.57 ± 10.29 years. The mean weight was 123.14 ± 25.40 kg, mean height was 1.67 ± 0.09 m, and mean BMI was 56.24 ± 9.30 kg/m². A total of 60% (n = 27) of patients with MS (p = 0.008), 63.4% (n = 26) of patients with hypertension (p = 0.013), and 66.7% (n = 18) of patients with altered glucose levels (p = 0.028) were diagnosed with NAFLD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the diagnosis of MS, as well as the presence of disorders associated with this syndrome (obesity, hypertension, and high blood glucose levels) are strongly associated with the presence of NAFLD.

Hígado graso no alcohólico como señal de aterosclerosis / Non-alcoholic fatty liver as a sign of atherosclerosis

Los pacientes con Hígado Graso No Alcohólico (HGNA), presentan un incremento en la mortalidad por enfermedad coronaria aterosclerótica, siendo la misma, la segunda causa más frecuente de muerte en los pacientes con HGNA. En general, el Engrosamiento de la Íntima Media Carotídea (EIMC), el cual constituye una evidencia de aterosclerosis subclínica, es mayor en los pacientes con HGNA que en las personas sanas. Los individuos con HGNA están en riesgo de aterosclerosis carotídea, independientemente de la presencia del Síndrome Metabólico y de factores clásicos de riesgo coronario aterosclerótico, por lo tanto la detección del HGNA, nos debe alertar de la existencia del incremento del riesgo de enfermedad aterosclerótica

Patients with non alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) present an increase in mortality duo to atherosclerotic coronary disease, being this, the second most common cause of death in patients with (NAFLD). In general, the intima-media thickening, which constitutes an evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis, is higher in patients with NAFLD than in healthy people. The individuals with NAFLD are at risk of suffering from carotid atherosclerosis independently of both the presence of Metabolic Syndrome and classical factors of atherosclerotic coronary risk. That's why the detection of NAFLD should alert us to the existence of an increase in the risk of suffering from atherosclerotic disease

Regional prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Korea has increased recently. The aim of the present study was to determine the regional differences in the prevalence and characteristics of NAFLD. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, 161,891 Seoul and Gyeonggi-do residents receiving a health examination at our institution were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. After applying exclusion criteria, the data of 141,610 subjects (80,943 males, 60,667 females) were analyzed. The presence of NAFLD was established by ultrasound examination. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 27.3% (38.3% in men, 12.6% in women). When standardized according to age, area, and sex, the prevalence of NAFLD was 25.2%. The age and area standardized prevalence of NAFLD was higher for men (34.4%) than for women (12.2%; P<0.001). The overall prevalence of NAFLD was higher in Gyeonggi-do (27.7%) than in Seoul (26.9%; P<0.001). Among the men, the prevalence of NAFLD was higher in Gyeonggi-do (39.2%) than in Seoul (37.4%; P<0.001), while for the women it was higher in Seoul (13.2%) than in Gyeonggi-do (12.0%; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The regional prevalence of NAFLD differed between Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Further studies are needed to establish the etiology of this difference.

Common Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Population-based Case-control Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Metabolic syndrome is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has features of metabolic syndromes. This study aimed to investigate the association between NAFLD and atherosclerosis. METHODS: In a population-based study in southern Iran, asymptomatic adult inhabitants aged more than 20 years were selected through cluster random sampling, and were screened for the presence of fatty liver and common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), with abdominal and cervical ultrasonography, respectively. Those with fatty liver were compared to the same number of individuals without fatty liver. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety individuals were found to have fatty change on abdominal ultrasonography, and were labeled NAFLD. Compared to normal individuals, NAFLD patients had significantly higher prevalence of increased CIMT (OR, 1.66; p<0.001). Those with hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), higher waist circumference (WC) and older ages had significantly higher prevalence of thick CIMT. Through adjusting the effects of different variables, we indicated that NAFLD could be an independent risk factor for thick common carotid intima-media (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.17-3.09; p=0.009). It was also shown that age could be another independent risk factor for thick CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with risk factors such as HTN, DM, and high WC are prone to develop atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. The presence of NAFLD should be considered as another probable independent factor contributing to the development of carotid atherosclerosis.