Etiology of fatty liver – Cause and effectiveness

ABSTRACT

Background: The incidence of fatty liver in India is estimated to be around 9-32% with higher incidence in diabetics, obese and dyslipidemic patients. The incidence is increasing with the noninvasive investigation of ultra-sound abdomen and greater awareness of patients opting for Master Health Checkups. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to analyze the causative factor of fatty liver and their relative incidence in the patients who reported to out-patient clinic with Master Health Checkup details. Materials and Methods: The analysis was performed as an out-patient procedure by scrutinizing the master health checkup results. Interview technique was used to collect information on a predesigned protocol. The patients with ultrasound abdomen report revealing fatty liver were all taken up for the study which included both male and female patients. Results: The main cause for alcoholic fatty liver was consumption of alcohol. There was a positive history of alcohol intake in 43 patients out of 122 patients studied (35%). The remaining percentage comes under Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the various causes include obesity (91%) Dydlipidemia (96%), Diabetes Mellitus (47.5%). Hypothyroidism was present in 3 patients and 5 patients had no other specific risk factors probably belonging to idiopathic group. Conclusions: Males constitute 71% and females 29%, out of 122 patients studied with fatty liver. The causes are alcohol (35%), obesity (91%), dyslipidaemia (96%), diabetes mellitus (47.5%) were found in this study.