PREVALENCE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) AMONG CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CAD SEVERITY

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern due to its potential to lead to liver transplants and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between NAFLD and CVD remains debated, and non-invasive diagnostic methods for NAFLD are recommended. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD among patients with CAD and explore the association between CAD severity and the probability of developing NAFLD.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CAD patients. Patients with a history of infectious liver disease, pregnant or lactating individuals, and those with excessive alcohol consumption were excluded. Coronary angiography was performed to assess CAD severity using the Gensini score. Ultrasonography and non-invasive assessments, such as the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, were used to diagnose and stage NAFLD.
 Result: The study included 156 CAD patients, with 79 (50.6%) being male. Out of total, 31 (19.8%) had severe, 79(50.6%) had moderate, and 46 (29.48%) had mild NAFLD. Male patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of severe NAFLD compared to females. There was no significant difference in the mean age of CAD patients across NAFLD severities. Severe NAFLD was associated with higher mean Gensini scores and FIB-4 values compared to mild to moderate NAFLD patients. A positive correlation was found between Gensini score and FIB4, suggesting that Gensini score could be an alternative to FIB4 in diagnosing NAFLD severity among CAD patients.
 Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of NAFLD among CAD patients, with severe NAFLD being associated with higher CAD severity.