Study of Sonographically Diagnosed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Association with its Risk Factors in Nepal Police Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the West, and it is increasing alarmingly in the South-Asia as well the main cause is likely modern lifestyle and diets. The aim of the study is to find an association of different risk factors with sonographically detected and graded fatty liver disease in hospital-based Nepalese police personnel.

Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was done, and 125 cases were included after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) was sonographically diagnosed and graded. Association between graded NAFLD and risk factor was made using the Chi-square test keeping the inference <0.05. ANOVA analysis was done wherever applicable keeping inference < 0.05.

Results: Mean age with NAFLD was 42.9±12.2 with age group 40-49 mostly involved 43(34.4%). The male gender has more prevalence of 82(65.6%). Most of the NAFLD Body Mass Index (BMI) were overweight 77(61.6%). There was a significant association of graded NAFLD with BMI (Chi Square P <0.05) and a significant difference between Grade I and Grade II BMI (ANOVA < 0.05 and Post Hoc (Tukey)<0.05). Also, a significant association of graded NAFLD was seen with Total Cholesterol (TC), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and Chronic diseases (Diabetes mellitus and hypertension).

Conclusions: Graded NAFLD is found to be strongly associated with BMI, TC, SGPT, SGOT, Diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Furthermore, the prevalence was found more in the middle age group, male gender and overweight person.