Association of Metabolic Risk Factors with Non Diabetic NAFLD patients

Abstract

Background: Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a pathological state, due to accumulation of fat in liver, in absence of alcohol intake and is associated metabolic risk factors caused as a result of lifestyle factors like imbalanced diet, sedentary activities, alcohol intake etc. Aim: We aimed to study the association of metabolic risk factors with NAFLD. Methods: In a hospital based case control study a total of 320 subjects (160 per group) (Males:80 & Females:80) in both the groups constituted the study population based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasound of abdomen. Socio demographic and household information was collected. Nutrient intake and physical activity pattern were assessed. Anthropometric measurements, clinical and biochemical parameters (glycemic and lipid profiles) were recorded. The metabolic risk factors as defined by cutoffs based on guidelines were assessed and compared in NAFLD cases and controls by the frequency distribution, followed by logistic regression of the individual metabolic risk factors. Results: The metabolic factors namely central obesity , fasting glucose , dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome revealed a significant and positive association of NAFLD, WC [OR(95% CI) 3.8 (2.37-6.17),WHR [2.5 (1.51- 4.21), WHtR [2.4 (1.52-4.03), fasting glucose (>100mg) [1.9(1.12–3.300),total cholesterol [2.2(1.33-3.66),triglycerides [1.9(1.19-3.20),high LDL cholesterol [1.8 (1.10-2.88) , high blood pressure [1.7(1.10-2.85) and metabolic syndrome [2.75 (1.60-4.71) as per NCEP, ATPIII Criteria (P<0.005 for all). On gender wise analysis, males had a significant and positive association with metabolic risk factors compared to females, implying worse cardio metabolic risk profile. Conclusion : Central obesity, fasting glucose, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome showed significant association with NAFLD. For targeted detection of liver disease the metabolic risk factors can be used to predict severe NAFLD outcomes.