The Association between Metabolic Syndrome Combined with Fatty Liver Disease and Gallstone Disease—Data Analysis of Health Examinations

Abstract

Backgroundi¼sIn Taiwan, the prevalence rate of gallstone disease (GD) is estimated to be 5%-10% among adults. Several reports have suggested that females and old age individuals have a higher prevalence rate of GD. In addition, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and obesity, which are common features of metabolic syndrome, are risk factors for GD. Few studies have examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome combined with fatty liver disease and gallstone disease. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome combined with fatty liver disease and gallstone disease. Methods: This study applied cross-sectional data analysis. Participants received physical examination at a local hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 2011 to 2014. Fatty liver disease and gallstone disease were diagnosed by a gastroenterologist with abdominal ultrasonography. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the standards set by Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 2007. Physical examination and blood test results were employed to evaluate the prevalence rate and risk factors of gallstone disease.Results: The results indicated that prevalence rate of GD was 5%. GD had a significantly higher prevalence among participants aged 40 years and older than those under 40 years old. GD prevalence rate was higher among participants with abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome and its components than healthy participants. GD prevalence rate was significantly higher among participants with mild or moderate fatty liver combined with metabolic syndrome than those without the metabolic syndrome or with a different degree of fatty liver disease. Participants aged 40 years and older had a 2.88-fold higher risk of getting GD than those who were under 40 years old. The risk of GD increased 1.70-fold in participants with mild fatty liver disease combined with metabolic syndrome and 1.32-fold in participants with moderate fatty liver disease combined with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Prevalence and risk of GD is significantly higher in participants with metabolic syndrome. Awareness of GD prevalence rate and risk factors can facilitate effective GD prevention.