The relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and pulmonary function: KNHANES (Korean national health and nutrition examination survey 2008–2011)

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is associated with many extrahepatic complications. However the association between NAFLD and pulmonary function has been less investigated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NAFLD and pulmonary function. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study using nationally representative samples of 5085 subjects from the KNHANES 2008-2011. NAFLD was defined using previous validated fatty liver prediction models such as hepatic steatosis index(HSI), NAFLD liver fat score(LFS). Spirometry results were classified as normal, restrictive, or obstructive pattern. Result: After adjusting for other variables, the group with lower predictive FVC showed higher HSI, LFS in all groups.(HSI:P=0.0006 in females,Ps Conclusion: NAFLD was significantly associated with the poor pulmonary function, especially in restrictive pattern. Our results suggest that NAFLD index could be one of the predictive indicator for restrictive lung diseases.