An observational study of the evaluation of fatty liver in non-alcoholics with metabolic syndrome using fatty liver index and its correlation with USG elastography

Authors

  • Vaishnavi Danasekaran Department of General Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Puducherry, India
  • M. Narayanan Department of General Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20201121

Keywords:

Metabolic syndrome, Fatty liver index, Non alcoholic fatty liver disease, Elastography, USG, Correlation

Abstract

Background: NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) is being considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. It is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and needs to be addressed urgently as it is asymptomatic and widely prevalent and can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is a need for simpler methods to diagnose the condition in modern day practice which will help in identifying vulnerable subjects and in bringing  about awareness and lifestyle modifications focused on reversal of the condition. Aim of this study was to check the applicability of the fatty liver index in modern day out patient practice using formula based FLI calculator.

Methods: It was a cross sectional study on patients with metabolic syndrome in a tertiary care hospital. 60 patients with metabolic syndrome, both male and female above the age of 30 years and who were non-alcoholics were enrolled in the study. BMI, waist circumference, lipid profile and GGT were obtained and FLI calculated. It was compared with the ultrasound and Elastography reports. Chi square test, Independent t test and ANOVA test were used for comparing parameters. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 60 patients all had fatty liver which emphasizes that fatty liver is the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. There is a significant correlation between BMI (Body Mass Index) and waist circumference in predicting fatty liver and to some extent its grade. Patients with higher BMI had a greater grade of fatty liver.

Conclusions: The fatty liver index is a reliable predictor of fatty liver in people with metabolic syndrome. The grade of fatty liver increases with increase in waist circumference and increased BMI. Ultrasound and Elastography are reliable non invasive methods of detecting fatty liver. BMI and Waist circumference are strong predictive factors for fatty liver.

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Published

2020-03-21

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Original Research Articles