evaluate the association of anthropometric indices with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the association of anthropometric indices [body mass index and waist circumference] resistance [IR] and metabolic syndrome [MS] in patients having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. From August 2005 to Mar 2006 a case series of 70 patients with clinical and/or histological diagnosis of NAFLD were selected at the gastroenterology and Hepatology clinic of Ghurki trust teaching hospital. Liver function tests, lipid profile, glucose and insulin were checked in all patients. Body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference [WC] were determined according to WHO criteria. IR was measured by means of the homeostasis model assessment [HOMA] and IR was present in those having HOMA >/= 3. Metabolic Syndrome [MS] was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III]. Liver biopsy was performed in 20 cases. Body mass index >/= 30kg/m[2] [obesity] was found in 40% of the cases and BMI 25-29.9 kg/m[2] [overweight] in 52%. BMI correlated with IR [r = 0.39; P = 0.02] and WC with ALT [r =0.02; P = 0.03] IR [p=0.01] and MS [p=0.001]. The presence of steatohepatitis with fibrosis on liver biopsy was associated with overweight BMI [72%], increase of WC [50%] and IR [18%] [p<0.05]. Conclusions: Body mass index and WC are associated with MS, IR and histological findings in patients with NAFLD