NAFLD and Celiac Disease in adult patients

Abstract

Celiac Disease (CD) is a syndrome affecting any age, with a prevalence of 1/100–150. Non‐Alcoholic‐Fatty‐Liver‐Disease (NAFLD) is a condition related to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and nutritional behavior as steatogenic factors. Fatty liver in CD was ascribed to malnutrition. The aim is to investigate relationship of nutritional state and insulin resistance in newly diagnosed adult's CD and NAFLD.Methods1941 adult patients referred both for comprehensive Ultrasound procedure assessment and nutritional counseling were studied; NAFLD and CD diagnosis were made according to established criteria, including biopsy. Malnutrition was assessed by Bio‐impedance and anthropometry, bio‐markers (Albumin, B12 Vit., Folic Acid) and insulin resistance, using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA; cut off value for HOMA at 1.7).Resultsthe prevalence of CD is 21/1941, 1.17%, (i.e. 1/85). The prevalence of NAFLD is 219/1941, 11.28%, (i.e. 1/9); NAFLD prevalence is 3/21 (14.3%) CD patients (p: n.s.). No sign of malnutrition is observed in CD‐NAFLD patients. Greater BMI (29,67±4,72 vs. 23,84±4,61; p<0.0001) and slightly greater insulin resistance, assessed by HOMA (2.31±1.04 vs. 1.84±1.01; p: 0.051) are overall present in NAFLD vs. CD.ConclusionNAFLD and insulin resistance are observed in CD without clear signs of malnutrition. This suggests the possible involvement of other steatogenic factors.