Abstract 354: Prevalence and Predictors of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Normal Weight Non Diabetic Individuals

Abstract

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is generally considered a close manifestation of obesity and metabolic abnormalities. In the past, autopsy studies have also demonstrated NAFLD in 15% of non-obese subjects. Increasingly, NAFLD is considered an early manifestation of CAD. However, there is limited data on the prevalence and predictors of NAFLD in normal weight (NW) individuals. METHODS We evaluated 6,385 healthy non diabetic Brazilian subjects (43±10 years, 79% males) without clinical coronary heart disease between November 2008 and July 2010. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound. RESULTS Overall 39% (n=2494) individuals (41±9 years, 62% males) had normal weight (BMI<25 kg/m 2 & normal waist circumference). The prevalence of NAFLD in this group was 11% compared to 43% in the overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and 79% in the obese (BMI≥30), respectively (p<0.0001). As shown in the table below, increasing age, male gender and metabolic risk factors (MRF) remained significant predictors of NAFLD in NW individuals in univariate and multivariate analyses. As compared to those with no known MRF, the adjusted odds ratio for presence of NAFLD with increasing risk factors (1,2 and 3) were 1.56 (1.13-2.14), 3.93 (2.75-5.75) and 3.81 (1.92-7.59) respectively. CONCLUSION Approximately 1/10th of normal weight non-diabetic individuals had NAFLD in our cohort. High triglyceride and low HDL were independent predictors of NAFLD. Increasing metabolic risk factor burden can be considered for further testing to identify those at risk for NAFLD in this group.