Validation of fatty liver index as a predictor of hepatic steatosis in Asian populations: Impact of alcohol consumption and sex.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the utility of the fatty liver index (FLI) as a noninvasive tool for predicting hepatic steatosis based on alcohol consumption and sex in a large Asian population. We carried out a single-center observational cohort study at the HITO Medical Center in Japan and enrolled 1976 Asian subjects. The subjects were categorized into nondrinkers and light drinkers (0-19g/day) and moderate drinkers (20-59g/day) based on their self-reported alcohol intake. We used physical examinations, laboratory tests, and a questionnaire to collect information on various factors related to the FLI, including body mass index, waist circumference, and levels of γ-glutamyl transferase and triglycerides. The diagnostic accuracy of the FLI was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and optimal cut-off values were determined using Youden's index. The FLI had an acceptable performance index of >0.7 both overall and in all subgroups, with an overall AUROC of 0.844. The AUROCs were higher in women and moderate drinkers of both sexes. We also compared the cut-off values obtained in the present study with the previously reported values of 30 and 60. Optimal cut-off values for the FLI were calculated for the total population and subgroups and were found to differ from the previously established values in other countries. Our study suggests that the FLI is a useful noninvasive marker for predicting hepatic steatosis in a large Asian population, irrespective of alcohol consumption and sex.