To Study 25 (OH) D Levels In Patients With Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and its increasing incidence has been well documented from Asian countries. Diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, hyperlipidemia are predisposing factors for NAFLD.Hypovitaminosis D has been recently recognized as a worldwide epidemic. Since vitamin D exerts significant metabolic activities, comprising free fatty acids (FFA) flux regulation from the periphery to the liver, its deficiency may promote fat deposition into the hepatocytes.Therefore this study was planned to estimate serum 25 (OH) D levels in patients with NAFLD. Aims and objectives: To estimate the serum vitamin D levels in patients with NAFLD and to find out the association if any between the Vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD. Material and method: This observational and analytical study was conducted in department of General Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun from November 2015 to November 2016. A total of 70 patients of NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography and 70 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Chi square and unpaired t test were used. A ‘p’ value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: NAFLD patients had low serum 25 (OH) levels as compared to healthy volunteers which was statistically significant.Higher BMI (>23 kg/m2) was established as a risk factor for NAFLD.HDL and LDL levels were significantly lower in NAFLD patients. Higher plasma glucose level was risk factor for NAFLD but there was no significant difference in vitamin D levels. Conclusion: The serum vitamin D levels were lower in NAFLD patients as compared to healthy volunteers and obesity was associated as a risk factor for NAFLD and vitamin D deficiency.