Screening For Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Research Articles

Association of hidradenitis suppurativa and liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To the Editor: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease with significant morbidity. Studies have suggested an association between HS and metabolic syndrome,1Ergun T. Hidradenitis suppurativa and the metabolic syndrome.Clin Dermatol. 2018; 36: 41-47https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.09.007Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar a risk factor for numerous liver pathologies. However, whether HS is independently associated with liver disease remains unclear.2Durán-Vian C. Arias-Loste M.T. Hernández J.L. et al.High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among hidradenitis suppurativa patients independent of classic metabolic risk factors.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019; 33: 2131-2136https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15764Crossref PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar,3Jung J.M. Lee K.H. Kim Y.J. et al.Assessment of overall and specific cancer risks in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.JAMA Dermatol. 2020; 156: 844-853https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.1422Crossref PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar Herein, we aim to resolve this discrepancy through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception to October 4, 2021, using keywords “hidradenitis” and “liver disease” according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42021228708). Of 246 records, 6 case-control, 1 cross-sectional, and 2 cohort studies, published between 2001 and 2022, were included, totaling 42,791 patients with HS (Fig 1). According to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, all studies were rated “high” quality (Supplementary Data, available via Mendeley at https://www.doi.org/10.17632/z46my2brw6.1). Patients with HS had increased prevalence (38.5% to 72.9%) and odds (2.79-7.75) of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) when adjusting for confounders, such as age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. The wide ranges reported are likely due to heterogenous screening and diagnostic criteria for NAFLD, with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity across studies. Notably, NAFLD severity may be correlated with HS severity, as one study found that patients with severe HS had increased prevalence of liver disease (3.6% vs 1.5%, P < .05). Patients with HS also had increased prevalence of other types of hepatobiliary disease. Across studies, increased prevalence (0.5% vs 0.4%, P < .001) and odds (odds ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-1.54, P = .02) of alcoholic fatty liver disease were reported. Additionally, increased odds of hepatitis B were found across studies (odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-1.93, P = .005). HS was not associated with increased odds of gallstones, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, or increased risk of biliary or liver cancer across studies. Although patients with liver disease are known to be at risk for advanced fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, an association between HS and cirrhosis, biliary cancer, and liver cancer was not found across a small number of studies. However, these findings may be influenced by survival bias, especially considering the increased all-cause mortality in patients with HS.4Reddy S. Strunk A. Garg A. All-cause mortality among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a population-based cohort study in the United States.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019; 81: 937-942https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2019.06.016Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar Further high-quality studies are required to investigate these associations. The association between HS and liver pathology is hypothesized to result from chronic systemic inflammation. Patients with HS have increased levels of adipokines (leptin and adiponectin),5Malara A. Hughes R. Jennings L. et al.Adipokines are dysregulated in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.Br J Dermatol. 2018; 178: 792-793https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.15904Crossref PubMed Scopus (25) Google Scholar which regulate hepatic fat accumulation, and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-23, and tumor necrosis factor α), which stimulate hepatic inflammation, cell necrosis and apoptosis, and induction of fibrosis, leading to the potential development and progression of liver disease.1Ergun T. Hidradenitis suppurativa and the metabolic syndrome.Clin Dermatol. 2018; 36: 41-47https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.09.007Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar,2Durán-Vian C. Arias-Loste M.T. Hernández J.L. et al.High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among hidradenitis suppurativa patients independent of classic metabolic risk factors.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2019; 33: 2131-2136https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15764Crossref PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar Limitations include a lack of ethnic diversity across studies and the paucity of studies investigating the association of certain hepatic conditions and HS, with some outcomes only being investigated by single studies. Patients with HS should be informed of their possible increased risk of liver disease, particularly NAFLD, alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatitis B. Age-appropriate screening and counseling on modifiable risk factors such as weight management, smoking cessation, and alcohol intake may be beneficial. Appropriate liver workup, including liver enzymes, function tests, and imaging, should also be considered in patients with HS presenting with symptoms suggestive of liver disease. None disclosed.

Preparedness of Residents to Manage Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A National Survey.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is reported to be the most common chronic pediatric liver disease. Little information is available on the adherence of residents in-training to the published guidelines for the evaluation and management of pediatric NAFLD.The goals of this study are: (i) to assess the consistency of screening and evaluation for NAFLD in obese and overweight children at continuity clinics by upper level residents, and (ii) to determine the residents' extent of training, knowledge, comfort and competence levels in NAFLD care. An electronic survey developed using REDCap was emailed to accredited Pediatric Residency Programs in the United States. Program directors and coordinators were requested to forward the survey to their upper level pediatric and medicine/pediatrics residents. Statistical analysis of responses (n= 399) was performed. More than 88% of residents reported to be exposed to obese and overweight children, representing at least 25% of the patients encountered in clinics. Regardless of their training level, they inconsistently screened for (>60%), initiated evaluation of, or provided counseling on NAFLD in these patients, not following the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines. Over 80% of residents perceived to have received inadequate training resulting in insufficient knowledge on NAFLD, which they identified as their biggest barrier (25.7%). There was minimal statistically significant difference in the survey findings between training levels (PGY-2 vs PGY-3/4). Educational interventions should be implemented by pediatric residency programs to enhance educational core curricula for the early detection and initiation of management of NAFLD, an emerging public health problem.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in women of reproductive age.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in approximately 10% of all reproductive‐age women, with over 50% of these patients having imaging‐confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Whether PCOS increases the risk for more clinically relevant disease, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is unclear. Such findings are relevant to prognosticating risk of progressive liver disease in the growing population of young adults with NAFLD. Using weighted discharge data from the United States National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2018, we evaluated the association of PCOS with the presence of NASH among reproductive‐age women with NAFLD. The association of PCOS with NASH was assessed by logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and comprehensive metabolic comorbidities. Other causes of hepatic steatosis and chronic liver diseases were excluded. Our analysis included 189,440 reproductive‐age women with NAFLD, 9415 of whom had PCOS. Of those with PCOS, 1390 (15%) had a distinct code for NASH. Women with PCOS were younger (median age, 33 vs. 40 years; p < 0.001) and more likely to have diabetes (37.0% vs. 34.0%), obesity (83.0% vs. 58.0%), dyslipidemia (26.0% vs. 21.0%), and hypertension (38.0% vs. 35.0%) (all p ≤ 0.01). On adjusted analysis accounting for these metabolic comorbidities, PCOS remained independently associated with an increased prevalence of NASH (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.42; p = 0.008). Conclusions: Among reproductive‐age women with NAFLD, metabolic risk factors were more common in those with PCOS. Despite adjustment for these metabolic comorbidities, PCOS remained associated with a 22% higher odds of having NASH. These findings support efforts to increase NAFLD screening in young women with PCOS and highlight the potential “head start” in progressive liver disease among young women with PCOS.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Might be a Predictor for Severe Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Morbidly Obese Patients.

The aim of the study was to compare the IGF-1 levels, metabolic and clinical parameters among the ultrasonographically classified non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) groups and determine the factors that may predict the NAFLD severity in patients with morbid obesity. This study was conducted on 316 morbidly obese patients (250 F/66 M). The data of patients before and 1st-year after bariatric surgery were recorded. According to the ultrasonographically NAFLD screening, patients with normal hepatic features were classified as Group 1(n=57), with mild and moderate NAFLD were classified as Group 2(n=219), and with severe NAFLD were classified as Group 3(n=40). IGF-1 standard deviation scores (SDSIGF1) were calculated according to age and gender. Parameters that could predict the presence and severity of NAFLD were evaluated. IGF-1 levels were significantly associated with Group 3 than Group 1(p=0.037), and the significance remained between the same groups when IGF-1 levels were standardized as SDSIGF1(p=0.036). Decreased levels of SDSIGF1 explained 5% of severe NAFLD than the normal group (p=0.036). Liver Diameter, FPG, ALT, AST, and GGT were also found as significant predictors for severe NAFLD. There were significant differences between pre-and postop values in all groups (p<0.001). This study showed that IGF-1 might be considered a sgnificant predictor of severe NAFLD in morbidly obese patients. It is crucial in clinical practice to determine predictive factors of NAFLD that could support the diagnosis accompanied by non-invasive imaging methods.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Nationally Representative Data.

(1) Background: To evaluate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general population using a nationally representative sample from South Korea; (2) Methods: This study included 4275 adults aged ≥40 years who completed the snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), age, neck circumference, and gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaire. The risk of OSA was stratified into low, intermediate, and high grades according to the STOP-Bang score. The prevalence of NAFLD according to the STOP-Bang score was calculated, and the increasing trend was measured. A complex sample multivariable regression analysis with adjustments for possible confounding variables was used to calculate the odds ratio of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Subgroup analysis was conducted with stratification based on sex and obesity status; (3) Results: We identified 1021 adults with NAFLD and 3254 adults without NAFLD. The prevalence of NAFLD increased significantly with higher STOP-Bang scores in both men and women. Participants of both sexes with high STOP-Bang scores were more likely to have NAFLD. Compared to non-obese individuals, the risk of NAFLD according to the STOP-Bang score was more intense in obese individuals. With respect to hepatic steatosis, there was no significant association between advanced fibrosis and STOP-Bang score; (4) Conclusions: OSA, the risk of which was measured using the STOP-Bang model, was closely associated with NAFLD in both Korean men and women. Clinicians should consider screening for NAFLD in individuals with a high STOP-Bang score.

Abdominal obesity phenotypes are associated with the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: insights from the general population

BackgroundThe diversity of obesity-related metabolic characteristics generates different obesity phenotypes and corresponding metabolic diseases. This study aims to explore the correlation of different abdominal obesity phenotypes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsThe current study included 14,251 subjects, 7411 males and 6840 females. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥ 85 cm in males and ≥ 80 cm in females; according to the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, having more than one metabolic abnormality (except waist circumference criteria) was defined as metabolically unhealthy. All subjects were divided into 4 abdominal obesity phenotypes based on the presence ( +) or absence (− ) of metabolically healthy/unhealthy (MH) and abdominal obesity (AO) at baseline: metabolically healthy + non-abdominal obesity (MH−AO−); metabolically healthy + abdominal obesity (MH−AO+); metabolically unhealthy + non-abdominal obesity (MH+AO−); metabolically unhealthy + abdominal obesity (MH+AO+). The relationship between each phenotype and NAFLD was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsA total of 2507 (17.59%) subjects in this study were diagnosed with NAFLD. The prevalence rates of NAFLD in female subjects with MH−AO−, MH−AO+, MH+AO−, and MH+AO+ phenotypes were 1.73%, 24.42%, 7.60%, and 59.35%, respectively. Among male subjects with MH−AO−, MH−AO+, MH+AO−, and MH+AO+ phenotypes, the prevalence rates were 9.93%, 50.54%, 25.49%, and 73.22%, respectively. After fully adjusting for confounding factors, with the MH−AO− phenotype as the reference phenotype, male MH−AO+ and MH+AO+ phenotypes increased the risk of NAFLD by 42% and 47%, respectively (MH−AO+: OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.13,1.78; MH+AO+: OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.08,2.01); the corresponding risks of MH−AO+ and MH+AO+ in females increased by 113% and 134%, respectively (MH−AO+: OR 2.13, 95%CI 1.47,3.09; MH+AO+: OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.32,4.17); by contrast, there was no significant increase in the risk of NAFLD in the MH+AO− phenotype in both sexes.ConclusionsThis first report on the relationship of abdominal obesity phenotypes with NAFLD showed that both MH−AO+ and MH+AO+ phenotypes were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD, especially in the female population. These data provided a new reference for the screening and prevention of NAFLD.

Association between hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a general population-based study

BackgroundHypertriglyceridemic-waist (HTGW) phenotype has been proposed as a practical tool for screening the risk of cardiovascular diseases and glycemic metabolic disease. This study sought to investigate the relationship between HTGW phenotype and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsA total of 14,251 subjects who took part in health screening were enrolled in the study and NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. According to triglyceride (TG) and waist circumference, the study population was divided into four phenotypes, in which HTGW phenotype was defined as TG ≥ 1.7 mmol/L and male waist circumference ≥ 90 cm or female waist circumference ≥ 80 cm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between HTGW phenotype and NAFLD.ResultsIn the current study, 2.43% of the subjects had HTGW phenotype, while the prevalence of NAFLD in subjects with HTGW phenotype was 77.81%. After full adjustment for covariates, compared with people with normal waist circumference and TG levels, the risk of NAFLD in people with normal TG levels but enlarged waist circumference increased by 39% [OR:1.39, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.68], in people with normal waist circumference but elevated TG levels increased by 96% [OR:1.96, 95%CI: 1.65, 2.33], and in subjects with HTGW phenotype increased by 160% [OR:2.60, 95%CI: 1.88, 3.58]. Additionally, further analysis suggested that there were significant interactions between age, height, BMI and NAFLD risk associated with TGW phenotypes. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis suggested that the combination of TG and waist circumference further improved the diagnostic value for NAFLD.ConclusionsHTGW phenotype is associated with NAFLD risk in the general population, which may be a novel and accessible indicator for NAFLD screening.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese adults screened by vibration controlled transient elastography and its diagnostic discrepancy compared with ultrasound

BackgroundThe prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China as assessed using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and its consistency with ultrasound is still unknown. We aimed to conduct a head-to-head comparison of consecutive measurements of NAFLD with ultrasound or VCTE to evaluate the discrepancy in the prevalence and distribution of NAFLD screened by two non-invasive techniques. MethodsWe collected VCTE and ultrasound examination data from 4,388 participants who underwent health check-ups at the Health Promotion Center of Jiangsu Province Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019. The major outcome was the presence of hepatic steatosis, which was defined as a median controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥ 248 dB/m by VCTE or the definition of steatosis by ultrasound. ResultsAmong the 4,388 participants, 2,214 were diagnosed with NAFLD by VCTE (CAP ≥ 248 dB/m, 50.46%). Participants with severe steatosis (CAP ≥ 280 dB/m) were commonly male (77.94% vs. 50.38%, P < 0.001), were obese (45.09% vs. 1.79%, P < 0.001), had a worse metabolic profile, had elevated liver enzyme levels, and had advanced fibrosis. The prevalence of ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD was 56.42%. After consistency analysis, VCTE and ultrasound showed moderate agreement regarding the diagnosis of NAFLD (κ = 0.475). We then compared the characteristics and clinical features of the four groups classified by the diagnosis results of the two techniques. NAFLD participants diagnosed by VCTE only were older, more obese, and had worse metabolic and biochemical profiles than NAFLD participants diagnosed by ultrasound only; in particular, the former had a higher proportion of abnormal alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and a higher proportion of advanced fibrosis than the latter. ConclusionsMore than half of Chinese adults were affected by NAFLD according to VCTE. Screening based on VCTE is more likely to identify NAFLD patients with severe clinical features than ultrasound. Therefore, VCTE is a more practical non-invasive tool for the screening and follow-up of NAFLD in China.

Association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study in a Chinese population.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a middle- to older-aged Chinese population. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 9015 participants (age 40-79years) were recruited and grouped into four phenotypes, as follows: NWNT: normal waist-normal triglyceride; NWET: normal waist-elevated triglycerides; EWNT: elevated waist-normal triglycerides; and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW). Logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the associations between HTGW phenotype and NAFLD. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the utility of waist circumference-triglyceride index (WTI) as a reference factor for screening for NAFLD. HTGW phenotype had a higher prevalence of NAFLD (53.3%), diabetes (19.6%), and hypertension (79.8%) than the other three subgroups. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, HTGW phenotype was associated with NAFLD (odds ratio (OR) 6.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.11-7.32). Further adjusted for potential confounders, the HTGW phenotype was still significantly associated with NAFLD (adjusted OR 5.18; 95% CI 4.30-6.23) regardless of gender. The subgroup analyses generally revealed similar associations across all subgroups. ROC curve analysis showed that when the maximum area under the curve was 0.748, the WTI was 90.1, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 90.6 and 59.5%, respectively. HTGW phenotype is strongly associated with NAFLD and can be used as a reference factor for NAFLD screening.

The characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associated factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 385 RA patients [including 72 (18.7%) male and 313 (81.3%) female] who received abdominal sonographic examination from August 2015 to May 2021 at Department of Rheumatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. There were 28 RA patients at 16-29 years old and 32, 80, 121, 99, 25 at 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, ≥ 70 years old, respectively. Demographic and clinical data were collected including age, gender, history of alcohol consumption, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, RA disease activity indicators and previous medications. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the associated factors of NAFLD in RA patients. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 24.2% (93/385) in RA patients, 26.3% (21/80) in 40-49 age group and 33.1% (40/121) in 50-59 age group. There were 22.1% (85/385) and 3.6% (14/385) RA patients with overweight and obese, in which the prevalence of NAFLD was 45.9% (39/85) and 78.6% (11/14) respectively, which was 2.6 folds and 4.5 folds that of RA patients with normal BMI. Although there was no significant difference of age, gender and RA disease activity indicators between RA patients with or without NAFLD, those with NAFLD had higher proportions of metabolic diseases including obese (11.8% vs. 1.0%), central obesity (47.3% vs. 16.8%), hypertension (45.2% vs. 29.8%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (24.7% vs. 12.0%), consistent with higher levels of total cholesterol [(5.33±1.31) mmol/L vs. (4.73±1.12) mmol/L], triglyceride [(1.51±1.08) mmol/L vs. (0.98±0.54) mmol/L] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(3.37±0.97) mmol/L vs. (2.97±0.78) mmol/L, all P<0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI (OR=1.314) and triglyceride (OR=1.809) were the independent factors positively associated with NAFLD in RA patients. Conclusion: NAFLD is a common comorbidity in RA patients, especially in those with middle-aged, overweight or obese, which is associated with high BMI or high triglyceride. Screening and management of NAFLD in RA patients especially those with overweight, obese or dyslipidemia should be emphasized.

Body composition among adults at a healthy body mass index and association with undetected non-alcoholic fatty liver.

Adults with a healthy Body Mass Index but elevated body fat are at risk for a variety of undetected metabolic problems. It is unclear whether non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with this body type. Associations between elevated body fat and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults with a healthy Body Mass Index (18.5-24.9) were assessed. A cohort of healthy BMI, non-pregnant, adults without history of liver disease or recent heavy drinking was constructed from the NHANES 2017-2018 survey. Body fat percentages were determined from whole-body DXA scans. Liver ultrasound transient elastography indicated the presence of hepatic steatosis. A significantly larger proportion of adults with an elevated body fat % (46.2%) than those with a healthy body fat % (25.1%) (p = 0.002) had undiagnosed NAFLD. In a logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and exercise, hepatic steatosis was associated with an elevated body fat percentage within the cohort of adults with a healthy BMI (OR 3.51; 95% CI 2.11-5.86). The usefulness of alternative body composition measures should be considered when screening for NAFLD.

Screening HIV Patients at Risk for NAFLD Using MRI-PDFF and Transient Elastography: A European Multicenter Prospective Study

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern in the aging population with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Screening for NAFLD is recommended in patients with metabolic risk factors or unexplained transaminitis. This study aimed to prospectively assess the prevalence and associated factors of liver steatosis and advanced fibrosis (AF) in HIV-monoinfected patients at risk of NAFLD. We conducted a multicenter study in HIV-monoinfected patients, nonexcessive drinkers with metabolic syndrome, and/or persistently elevated liver enzymes, and/or clinical lipodystrophy. All participants had magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), Fibroscan/controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and cytokine and genetic analysis. From March 2014 to November 2015, we enrolled 442 participants and analyzed 402: male (85%); median age, 55 years (interquartile range [IQR], 50-61 years); body mass index, 27.0 kg/m2 (IQR, 23.6-28.7 kg/m2); metabolic syndrome (67%); and CD4 cell count, 630/mm3 (IQR, 510-832/mm3). Overall 257 of 402 (64%) had NAFLD (MRI-PDFF ≥5%). Among them, 11.3% had a liver stiffness ≥9.6 kPa, suggestive of AF. Multivariable analysis identified 7 factors of steatosis: high CD4-cell count (odds ratio [OR], 4.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92-8.51), high leptin level (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.14-3.93), non-CC PNPLA3s738409 genetic polymorphism (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.11-3.33), low high-density lipoprotein (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27), high triglycerides (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.84), elevated alanine transaminase (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.16-1.31), and hyper ferritinemia (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03-1.07). Two factors were associated with AF: high body mass index (OR, 1.23 ; 95% CI, 1.07-1.42 ; P= .005, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P= .001). Using MRI-PDFF as a reference, CAP (best cutoff, 280 dB/m) had good accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve= 0.86; 95% CI, 0.82-0.90) for the diagnosis of moderate to severe steatosis. In a large cohort of HIV-moninfected patients at risk of NAFLD, steatosis is present in two-thirds of cases, and around 10% have AF. The CAP technique is accurate for screening steatosis in this population.

The Role of Metabolic Factors and Steatosis in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B and Normal Alanine Aminotransferase

IntroductionWe aimed to elucidate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT).MethodsWe analyzed the clinical characteristics of a cross-sectional cohort of treatment-naïve patients with CHB and ALT in the upper limit of normal (ULN) from October 2018 to July 2021. ALT ≤ 0.5 ULN was stratified as low-normal ALT (LNALT) and 0.5 ULN < ALT ≤ ULN as high-normal ALT (HNALT). Transient elastography (TE) was used to evaluate liver steatosis and fibrosis.ResultsAmong 733 patients with CHB enrolled, 23.1% of them had MS, 37.2% of them had NAFLD, and 5.9% of them had significant fibrosis. The proportions of patients with MS, steatosis, and significant fibrosis in the HNALT group were higher than those in the LNALT group (31.4% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.001; 48.7% vs. 25.2%, p < 0.001; and 8.0% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.013, respectively). Multiple linear regression showed that steatosis (beta = 0.098, p = 0.001) and MS (beta = 0.092, p = 0.002) were independently related to ALT levels in the normal range. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR 1.049, 95% CI 1.012–1.087, p = 0.010), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (OR 1.059, 95% CI 1.005–1.115, p = 0.030), and severe steatosis (OR 2.559, 95% CI 1.212–5.403, p = 0.014) were independently associated with significant fibrosis. When analyzed in the subgroup of CHB with NAFLD, age (OR 1.060, 95% CI 1.006–1.117, p = 0.029) and severe steatosis (OR 2.962, 95% CI 1.126–7.792, p = 0.028) were still statistically significant.ConclusionThe accumulation of MS components exacerbated hepatic steatosis. Severe NAFLD was independently associated with significant fibrosis. This emphasizes the importance of screening for MS and NAFLD in patients with CHB and normal ALT, where a more active intervention may apply.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-022-00629-5.

The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis Varies by Race.

Objectives: This study investigated how the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis varies between non-Hispanic African American and white patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using electronic medical records from an integrated health care system (2010-2018). Adults with records for all MetS measurements (body mass index, lipids, blood pressure, and blood glucose) in 2011, who did not have a NAFLD diagnosis before their last MetS measurement, were included. Results: The study cohort consisted of 139,336 patients (age 56.1 ± 15.2 years, 57.9% female, 79.4% non-Hispanic white). The rate of NAFLD diagnosis was higher in MetS patients compared with non-MetS patients [adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.91-2.09] with a significant interaction by race (AHR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.95-2.15 in non-Hispanic whites vs. AHR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.58-1.96 non-Hispanic African Americans, P = 0.017). Secondary analyses revealed that the relative NAFLD diagnosis rate was higher in non-Hispanic whites with MetS compared with non-Hispanic African Americans with MetS among females and patients 18-39 years of age and 40-59 years, but not among males and those ≥60 years of age. Conclusions: Non-Hispanic white patients with MetS, particularly females and those <60 years of age, may be at increased risk of NAFLD compared with non-Hispanic African American MetS patients and may benefit from extra attention regarding NAFLD screening.

A combined association of serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase and waist circumference with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a community-based study.

BackgroundIncreasing evidence has supported that serum uric acid (SUA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and waist circumference (WC) are associated with the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the combined role of these factors in early screening of NAFLD has not been investigated. We aimed to de lineate this role in a community-based population.MethodsBinary logistic regression was used to explore the correlations of SUA, ALT and WC with NAFLD risk. The goodness of fit and discriminative ability of the model were evaluated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), respectively.ResultsLogistic regression analysis indicated that elevated SUA (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.76–3.38]), ALT (adjusted OR = 4.98, 95% CI [3.41–7.27]) and WC (adjusted OR = 3.22, 95% CI [2.01–5.16]) were facilitating factors for incident NAFLD after fully adjusted for related confounders. In addition, the risk of NAFLD followed linear trend s with increasing levels of these three indicators (all Ptrend < 0.001). The risk assessment model consisting of SUA, ALT, WC and demographics showed useful discrimination by AUROC being 0.825 (95% CI [0.811–0.838]) and good performance of calibration (P = 0.561).ConclusionsSUA, ALT and WC were all associated with NAFLD, independent of known risk factors. The simple model composed of these indicators showed good performance in the Chinese population, which may be applicable for appraisal of NAFLD risk in primary healthcare.

Superb Microvascular Imaging-Based Vascular Index to Assess Adult Hepatic Steatosis: A Feasibility Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of using a superb microvascular imaging-based vascular index (SMI-VI) for evaluating adult hepatic steatosis. We prospectively compared liver parenchyma SMI-VI (color pixels/total pixels in the region of interest), portal vein velocity, hepatic artery Doppler parameters (peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistive index) and serum lipid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between 16 normal livers and 34 steatotic livers using magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference. On the basis of a two-tailed t-test, differences in SMI-VI, portal vein velocity, MRI-PDFF and ALT between normal (MRI-PDFF <5%) and steatotic (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) livers were statistically significant (p < 0.02), whereas hepatic artery Doppler parameters and triglyceride levels were not (p > 0.05). We observed an inverse correlation of SMI-VI with MRI-PDFF (r=-0.88). With 0.19 as the best cutoff value, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity of SMI-VI for determining ≥mild (MRI-PDFF ≥5%) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.95, 96% and 94%, respectively. Our results indicate the feasibility of using SMI-VI to assess adult hepatic steatosis. SMI-VI is a potential surrogate marker in the screening for NAFLD.

Role of age, gender and ethnicity in the association between visceral adiposity index and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among US adults (NHANES 2003–2018): cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe association between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been fully determined. Here, we aimed to explore the association between VAI...

Leveraging Automated Machine Learning to provide NAFLD screening diagnosis: Proposed machine learning models

Background and Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported to be the only hepatic ailment increasing in its prevalence concurrently with both; obesity & Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Abdominal ultrasonography is done for NAFLD screening diagnosis which has a high monetary cost associated with it. • In the wake of a massive strain on global health resources due to COVID-19 pandemic, NAFLD is bound to be neglected and shelved. Machine learning is explored, here, to propose screening-diagnostic tools for NAFLD that can be easily deployed without the requirement of substantial resources and can provide instantaneous screening-diagnosis predictive results.

An exploration of barriers and facilitators to implementing a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathway for people with type 2 diabetes in primary care.

AimsWe explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway for people with diabetes to identify determinants of behaviour surrounding the diagnosis, assessment and management of NAFLD.MethodsHealth practitioners (n = 24) recruited from multidisciplinary diabetes clinics in primary care (n = 3) and hospital (n = 1) settings participated in four focus group discussions, and common themes were identified using thematic analysis.ResultsLack of knowledge and access to resources were key factors that underpinned an inconsistent approach by clinicians to NAFLD diagnosis and risk stratification and impacted their confidence to discuss the diagnosis with patients. Participants often prioritised other medical issues above NAFLD due to lack of concern about liver‐related consequences, reluctance to overburden patients with information, lack of time and perceived absence of accessible fibrosis tests. All participants agreed that implementation of a NAFLD pathway would improve patient care and the general practitioners proposed that screening for NAFLD could be incorporated into routine review cycles for type 2 diabetes. A consistent message from participants was that educating patients about their liver disease needs to be implemented in an integrated care pathway.ConclusionsFrom the perspectives of health practitioners, there is a gap in clinical practice for the implementation of clear, evidence‐based guidelines for NAFLD in people with T2D. By focusing on comorbidity prevention and integrating NAFLD as a diabetes complication to be addressed during established cycles of care, many barriers to implementing a NAFLD pathway in primary care could be overcome.

Influences of Vitamin D Levels and Vitamin D-Binding Protein Polymorphisms on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk in a Chinese Population

Introduction: Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) is correlated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through the biological functions of regulating plasma vitamin D (VD) level and the inflammatory process. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of VD level and VDBP gene polymorphisms on the risk of NAFLD in a Chinese population. Methods: Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels were measured and seven VDBP candidate genetic variants (rs222020, rs2282679, rs4588, rs1155563, rs7041, rs16847024, rs3733359) were genotyped among participants in this case-control study. The control group was frequency-matched to the NAFLD case group by age and gender. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions were used to screen determinants of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ levels. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The prediction capability of models containing independent factors was estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: Age, body mass index, and triacylglycerol were independent factors influencing VD levels. Participants with low VD levels had significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD compared to subjects with normal VD levels (p < 0.001). A low VD level contributed to increased the risk of NAFLD, independent of metabolic factors known to affect VD levels (adjusted OR = 2.282, 95% CI = 1.422–3.661, p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals carrying rs7041-G allele had a significantly decreased the risk of NAFLD occurrence compared to T allele (additive model: adjusted OR = 0.814, 95% CI = 0.713–0.929, p = 0.002; codominant model: adjusted OR = 0.623, 95% CI = 0.449–0.866, p = 0.005), after adjusting for age, gender, and overweight. Stratification by multiple metabolic disorders did not alter this relationship. Moreover, we developed a simple model including age, gender, metabolic disorders, and VDBP single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to assess NAFLD risk, an AUC of which being 0.817, significantly higher than the model not included VDBP SNP, with Hosmer-Lemeshow test fitting well (p = 0.182). Conclusions: Low plasma VD levels may increase susceptibility to NAFLD, while rs7041-G allele in VDBP contributed to a decreased NAFLD risk among Chinese population. The VDBP variant significantly improved the capability for NAFLD risk assessment, which could be used for early screening and management of NAFLD.