Clinical epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents. The LiverKids: Study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing alongside overweight and obesity, not only in adults but also in children and adolescents. It is unknown what impact the development of NAFLD in childhood may have in later life. The importance of early detection and treatment lies in its potential for progression to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related death, as well as its associated extrahepatic comorbidities. Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) with Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) is an effective, non-invasive and safe diagnostic method to estimate the degree of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver, but little is known about its applicability in the paediatric population. AIMS: 1) To assess the prevalence of significant liver fibrosis (Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) ≥6.5 kPa) using VCTE, and that of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (≥225 dB/m) using CAP in children and adolescents. 2) To determine the optimal cut-off points of the CAP to achieve maximum concordance with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in the diagnosis of mild, moderate and severe NAFLD in children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study which will include 2,866 subjects aged between 9 and 16 years. Participants will undergo: anamnesis, physical examination, blood extraction, VCTE, MRI and questionnaires on socio-demographic data, personal and family medical history and lifestyle assessment. APPLICABILITY AND RELEVANCE: The study aims to establish the foundations for the use of VCTE in children and adolescents in order to achieve early diagnosis of NAFLD. Moreover, it will serve to understand in further detail the disease and to identify the risk groups of children and adolescents who may be at risk of developing it. Ultimately, this will help determine to which subgroups of the population we need to target resources for prevention and early detection of this entity, as well as possible intervention for its treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The LiverKids study is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05526274).

TSH Levels as an Independent Risk Factor for NAFLD and Liver Fibrosis in the General Population.

Thyroid hormones may be a risk factor for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to liver fibrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis in the general population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in subjects aged 18-75 years randomly selected from primary care centers between 2012 and 2016. Each subject underwent clinical evaluation, physical examination, blood tests and transient elastography. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with NAFLD and fibrosis. We included 2452 subjects (54 ± 12 years; 61% female). Subjects with TSH ≥ 2.5 µIU/mL were significantly associated with obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS), hypertransaminasemia and altered cholesterol and triglycerides. The prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis was significantly higher in subjects with TSH ≥ 2.5 (µIU/mL). We found a 1.5 times increased risk of NAFLD, 1.8 and 2.3 times increased risk of liver fibrosis for cut-off points of ≥8.0 kPa and ≥9.2 kPa, respectively, in subjects with TSH ≥ 2.5 µIU/mL compared with TSH < 2.5 µIU/mL (control group), independent of the presence of MetS. These findings remained significant when stratifying TSH, with values ≥ 10 µIU/mL.

Risk of Liver Fibrosis According to TSH Levels in Euthyroid Subjects.

Alterations in thyroid function may contribute to the development of liver fibrosis especially in subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study aimed to investigate the risk of liver fibrosis according to low-normal thyroid function in the general population. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study in subjects from 18-75 years randomly selected from 16 primary health care centers from 2017-2019. Each subject underwent clinical evaluation, physical examination, blood analysis and transient hepatic elastography. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with fibrosis. We included 1096 subjects (60 ± 11 years; 61% women); 70% had strict-normal thyroid function and 30% had low-normal thyroid function. Low-normal thyroid function was associated with a higher liver stiffness (LS) values: 5.2 vs. 4.8 kPa (p = 0.001) and a greater prevalence of fibrosis: 6.1 vs. 3% (p = 0.016) and 4.3 vs. 2.1% (p = 0.044) for the cut-off points of ≥8.0 kPa and ≥9.2 kPa, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the risk of fibrosis in subjects with low-normal thyroid function was OR 1.54 (p = 0.213). In conclusion, low-normal thyroid function is associated with higher LS values and a greater risk of liver fibrosis in the general population, being dependent on other metabolic factors.

Relación entre el hipotiroidismo y el hígado graso no alcohólico en una población española / Relationship between hypothyroidism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Spanish population

Introducción: El hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) es la enfermedad hepática más prevalente en los países desarrollados y se considera el componente hepático del síndrome metabólico (SM). Últimamente el hipotiroidismo se ha asociado al HGNA, pero nunca se ha estudiado en nuestro entorno. Objetivos: Analizar la relación entre hipotiroidismo (clínico y subclínico) y HGNA. Conocer la asociación de SM con HGNA e hipotiroidismo. Metodología: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo, poblacional en sujetos ≥45 años procedentes de centros de atención primaria de Cataluña e incluidos en la base de datos SIDIAP. Los datos fueron recogidos entre 2009 y 2013. Variables: datos sociodemográficos, comorbilidades, hábitos tóxicos, exploración física, analítica y diagnóstico de SM. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo y la aplicación de pruebas estadísticas para la comparación de variables. Resultados: Muestra de 10.116 individuos con edad media de 61 (10) años y predominio del sexo femenino (63,6%). La prevalencia de hipotiroidismo fue del 9,1%, sin encontrar diferencias significativas según la presencia de HGNA (p=0,631). El hipotiroidismo se asoció a niveles más elevados de triglicéridos y mayor prevalencia de obesidad (p=0,003). Se detectó mayor alteración de la AST en los individuos con valores incrementados de TSH (p=0,012) y disminuidos de T4L (p=0,037). Las alteraciones en los niveles de hormonas tiroideas no se vincularon con mayor prevalencia de HGNA (TSH p=0,072 y T4L p=0,447). El hipotiroidismo no se asoció como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de HGNA (OR 0,75; IC 95%: 0,39-1,44; p=0,38). Conclusiones: No se ha demostrado asociación entre el hipotiroidismo y el HGNA. Se necesitan estudios prospectivos para esclarecer la relación entre ambas enfermedades

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in developed countries and is considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recently hypothyroidism has been associated with NAFLD but has never been studied in Spain. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between hypothyroidism (clinical and subclinical) and NAFLD. To determine the association between MetS with NAFLD and hypothyroidism. Methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective, population study in subjects ≥45 years from primary care centres in Catalonia included in the SIDIAP database. The data was collected between 2009 and 2013. Variables: socio-demographic data, comorbidities, toxic habits, physical examination, analytical tests and diagnosis of MetS. Descriptive analysis and application of statistical tests for the comparison of variables. Results: Sample of 10,116 individuals with a mean age of 61(10) and a predominance of females (63.6%). The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 9.1%, with no significant differences according to the presence of NAFLD (p=.631). Hypothyroidism was associated with higher triglyceride levels and a greater prevalence of obesity (p=.003). Greater alteration of AST was detected in individuals with elevated TSH (p=.012) and decreased levels of T4L (p=.037). Alterations in thyroid hormone levels were not associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD (TSH p=.072 and T4L p=.447). Hypothyroidism was not considered a risk factor for the development of NAFLD (OR .75; 95% CI: .39-1.44; p=.38). Conclusions: No association was found between hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Prospective studies are needed to clarify a possible relationship between these two diseases

Relationship between hypothyroidism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Spanish population. / Relación entre el hipotiroidismo y el hígado graso no alcohólico en una población española.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in developed countries and is considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Recently hypothyroidism has been associated with NAFLD but has never been studied in Spain. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship between hypothyroidism (clinical and subclinical) and NAFLD. To determine the association between MetS with NAFLD and hypothyroidism. METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective, population study in subjects ≥45 years from primary care centres in Catalonia included in the SIDIAP database. The data was collected between 2009 and 2013. VARIABLES: socio-demographic data, comorbidities, toxic habits, physical examination, analytical tests and diagnosis of MetS. Descriptive analysis and application of statistical tests for the comparison of variables. RESULTS: Sample of 10,116 individuals with a mean age of 61(10) and a predominance of females (63.6%). The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 9.1%, with no significant differences according to the presence of NAFLD (p=.631). Hypothyroidism was associated with higher triglyceride levels and a greater prevalence of obesity (p=.003). Greater alteration of AST was detected in individuals with elevated TSH (p=.012) and decreased levels of T4L (p=.037). Alterations in thyroid hormone levels were not associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD (TSH p=.072 and T4L p=.447). Hypothyroidism was not considered a risk factor for the development of NAFLD (OR .75; 95% CI: .39-1.44; p=.38). CONCLUSIONS: No association was found between hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Prospective studies are needed to clarify a possible relationship between these two diseases.

Prevalence of Early Chronic Kidney Disease and Main Associated Factors in Spanish Population: Populational Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of early chronic kidney disease (EKD) (stages 1 and 2) and the factors associated. This was a populational study including individuals from 18-75 years randomly selected from 18 Primary Healthcare centers in the area of Barcelonès Nord and Maresme (Catalunya, Spain). Variables: anamnesis, physical examination, blood pressure, and analysis. EKD was defined with by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥17 mg/g in men and ≥25 mg/g in women confirmed with two determinations. 2871 individuals: 43% men, mean age 55 years (19-75), 32.2% obese, 50.5% abdominal obesity, 21.1% hypertensive, and 10.6% diabetic. Prevalence of EKD: With one determination 157 individuals (5.5%), 110 men (9%) and 47 women (2.8%); with two determinations 109 individuals (3.8%), 85 men (7%), and 24 women (1.5%). Factors independently associated with the multivariate logistic regression model: Man (OR 3.35), blood pressure ≥ 135/85 mmHg (OR 2.29), BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR 2.48), glycemia ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR 1.73), smoker (OR 1.67) and age (OR 1.04). The prevalence varies if the diagnosis is established based on one or two analytical determinations, overestimated if only one determination is made and depends on the value chosen to define urine albumin excretion.

Calidad de vida en adultos mayores de Guerrero, México / Quality of life in elderly adults from Guerrero, Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La calidad de vida se define como un estado de bienestar físico, social, emocional, espiritual, intelectual y ocupacional que le permite al individuo satisfacer apropiadamente sus necesidades; un grado de adaptación a su propia condición y a su medio, en función de su estado de salud, sus carencias y del soporte que recibe para suplirlas. Objetivo: Describir la calidad de vida desde el ámbito social en el que se desarrollan los adultos mayores en el Estado de Guerrero, México. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cuantitativa de corte transversal y analítico, la muestra fue probabilística, se incluyeron 75 adultos mayores de 65 años y más, residentes de asilo, casa de día y localidad rural; el criterio de selección aplicado fue la firma previa del consentimiento informado. Se utilizó el Cuestionario sociodemográfico y Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 versión 2 española Health Survey, constituido por preguntas agrupadas con sus respectivos ítems. Resultados: El 80% de los adultos mayores encuestados manifestó mala calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Los adultos mayores guerrerenses presentan porcentajes altos de problemas físicos, emocionales, y sociales, que dan origen a una mala perspectiva de su salud y vida.

Abstract Introduction: Quality of life is defined as a state of social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and occupational wellbeing. Quality of life allows individuals to properly satisfy their needs and reach a level of adaptation to their own conditions and environments according to their health status, limitations and the support they receive to supplement them. Objective: To describe the quality of life of elderly adults in the State of Guerrero-Mexico, taking into account the social context where they live. Materials and methods: Quantitative research using a cross-sectional and analytical approach. The sample was probabilistic, with 75 adults older than or equal to 65 years of age, who were residents of asylums, day houses or rural areas. The applied selection criterion was their signature of the informed consent form. We used the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Spanish version 2 of the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire that contains questions grouped within their respective items. Results: 80% of the older adults manifested a poor quality of life. Conclusions: Elderly adults from Guerrero displayed high percentages of physical, emotional and social problems, which ultimately lead to poor health and life perspectives.

High Prevalence of Liver Fibrosis Among European Adults With Unknown Liver Disease: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver fibrosis is the main determinant of long-term outcome in chronic liver diseases. Little is known about the prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general population. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of liver fibrosis in the general adult population with unknown liver disease. METHODS: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study performed in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Subjects aged 18 to 75 years old were identified randomly from citizens included in the primary health care registry. Of 4866 subjects invited, 3076 participated (63.2%). Liver fibrosis was estimated by measuring liver stiffness (LS) with transient elastography (TE). Liver histology was assessed in 92 subjects with increased LS. RESULTS: Prevalence estimates of increased LS (≥6.8, ≥8.0, and ≥9.0 kPa) were 9.0%, 5.8%, and 3.6%, respectively. The etiology of liver disease was mainly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), followed by alcohol risk consumption (consumption of ≥21 standard drinking units/wk in men and ≥14 standard drinking units/wk in women). Factors independently associated with increased LS were male sex, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, serum glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels. Subjects without risk factors for NAFLD or without alcohol risk consumption had a very low prevalence of increased LS. The best cut-off value of LS for significant liver fibrosis (F2-F4) was 9.2 kPa, with high sensitivity and specificity. TE was more accurate than alanine aminotransferase, NAFLD fibrosis score, or Fibrosis 4. An algorithm for screening for liver fibrosis using TE in the community setting is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show a high prevalence of silent liver disease with advanced fibrosis mainly related to NAFLD in adult European subjects without known liver disease. An LS value less than 9.2 kPa predicts the absence of significant liver fibrosis with high accuracy and could be used for screening purposes.

Adecuación y calidad de las ecografías abdominales solicitadas por los profesionales de medicina / Acceptability and quality of abdominal ultrasound studies requested by medical professionals

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la adecuación/calidad de las ecografías abdominales solicitadas por médicos de atención primaria de Barcelona, desarrollar una guía para la ecografía y evaluar su impacto en la adecuación. MÉTODOS: Diseño estudio en 2 fases, una descriptiva, retrospectiva, que evalúa la calidad/adecuación de las solicitudes (fase preintervención), y otra que evalúa el impacto en la calidad/adecuación gracias a la guía (fase postintervención). Sujetos: solicitudes de ecografías durante enero-junio del 2010 procedentes de 10 centros de AP y el mismo número de solicitudes provenientes de los mismos centros después de la intervención. Variables. Fase preintervención: motivo de la visita y petición; presencia de orientación diagnóstica; resultado de la ecografía; calidad/adecuación de la solicitud. Intervención: diseño de una guía mediante técnica grupo nominal y difusión de la guía en los mismos centros. Fase postintervención: 3 meses después de la difusión, analizar el mismo número de solicitudes evaluando las mismas variables que en la fase preintervención. RESULTADOS: Fase preintervención, 1.063 solicitudes, 52,4% mujeres, edad media 52±16 años (rango 11-94). Fase postintervención, 1.060 solicitudes, 57,6% mujeres, edad 54±17 años (rango 6-91). Principales motivos de petición: dolor abdominal/molestias 38,3% (preintervención) y 43,1% (postintervención). Orientación diagnóstica en el 14,5% (preintervención) y el 40,8% (postintervención). Resultado de ecografía normal en el 46,0% (preintervención) y el 42,3% (postintervención). Calidad de las solicitudes buena en el 42,7% (preintervención) y el 46,5% (postintervención). Adecuación de ecografía del 70,5% (preintervención) y del 94,1% (postintervención). A mayor calidad de la solicitud, mejor adecuación y mayor presencia de patología. CONCLUSIONES: La guía de la ecografía mejora la calidad de las solicitudes, la orientación diagnóstica y su adecuación

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability/quality of abdominal ultrasound studies requested by primary care physicians in Barcelona; to develop ultrasound guidelines and assess their impact on acceptability. METHODS: Desing 2-phase study, one retrospective, descriptive phase evaluating the acceptability/quality of requests (pre-intervention phase) and another to assess the impact of guidelines on acceptability/quality (post-intervention phase). Subjects: Requests for ultrasound studies from January-June 2010 from 10 primary care centers and the same number of requests from the same centers after the intervention. Variables. Pre-intervention phase: reason for consultation and request; presence of diagnostic orientation; results of ultrasound; acceptability/quality of the request. Intervention: design guidelines using the nominal group technique, dissemination of guidelines in the same centers. Post-intervention phase: three months after dissemination analyze the same number of requests assessing the same variables included in the pre-intervention phase. RESULTS: Pre-intervention phase: 1,063 requests, 52.4% women, mean age 52±16 years (range 11-94). Post-intervention phase: 1,060 requests, 57.6% women, mean age 54±17 years (range 6-91). Main reasons for requests: abdominal pain/discomfort 38.3% (pre-intervention) and 43.1% (post-intervention). Diagnostic orientation in 14.5% (pre-intervention) and 40.8% (post-intervention). Normal ultrasound results in 46.0% (pre-intervention) and 42.3% (post-intervention). Good quality of requests in 42.7% (pre-intervention) and 46.5% (post-intervention). Acceptability of ultrasound: 70.5% (pre-intervention) and 94.1% (post-intervention). The better the quality of the request, the better the acceptability of the studies and the greater the number of pathological conditions identified. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for ultrasound improve the quality of requests, diagnostic orientation and acceptability of the studies

[Acceptability and quality of abdominal ultrasound studies requested by medical professionals]. / Adecuación y calidad de las ecografías abdominales solicitadas por los profesionales de medicina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability/quality of abdominal ultrasound studies requested by primary care physicians in Barcelona; to develop ultrasound guidelines and assess their impact on acceptability. DESIGN: 2-phase study, one retrospective, descriptive phase evaluating the acceptability/quality of requests (pre-intervention phase) and another to assess the impact of guidelines on acceptability/quality (post-intervention phase). SUBJECTS: Requests for ultrasound studies from January-June 2010 from 10 primary care centers and the same number of requests from the same centers after the intervention. VARIABLES: Pre-intervention phase: reason for consultation and request; presence of diagnostic orientation; results of ultrasound; acceptability/quality of the request. INTERVENTION: design guidelines using the nominal group technique, dissemination of guidelines in the same centers. Post-intervention phase: three months after dissemination analyze the same number of requests assessing the same variables included in the pre-intervention phase. RESULTS: Pre-intervention phase: 1,063 requests, 52.4% women, mean age 52±16years (range 11-94). Post-intervention phase: 1,060 requests, 57.6% women, mean age 54±17years (range 6-91). Main reasons for requests: abdominal pain/discomfort 38.3% (pre-intervention) and 43.1% (post-intervention). Diagnostic orientation in 14.5% (pre-intervention) and 40.8% (post-intervention). Normal ultrasound results in 46.0% (pre-intervention) and 42.3% (post-intervention). Good quality of requests in 42.7% (pre-intervention) and 46.5% (post-intervention). Acceptability of ultrasound: 70.5% (pre-intervention) and 94.1% (post-intervention). The better the quality of the request, the better the acceptability of the studies and the greater the number of pathological conditions identified. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for ultrasound improve the quality of requests, diagnostic orientation and acceptability of the studies.

Marcadores no invasivos de fibrosis en el diagnóstico del hígado graso no alcohólico / Non-invasive markers of fibrosis in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJETIVO: Analizar la utilidad de tres índices predictivos de fibrosis en la detección de hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA) como método no invasivo en atención primaria. Diseño Estudio descriptivo de base poblacional, multicéntrico y transversal, procedentes de 25 Centros de Atención Primaria de la provincia de Barcelona. Participantes Individuos sanos entre 17-83 años seleccionados aleatoriamente a partir del Sistema Informático de Atención Primaria (SIAP).Método Anamnesis, exploración física, analítica para determinar los índices predictivos de fibrosis; HAIR (hipertensión arterial, resistencia a insulina, alaninaaminotransferas a); Fatty Liver Index (FLI) (índice de masa corporal, gammaglutamiltranspeptidasa, triglicéridos, perímetro abdominal) y Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) (triglicéridos, perímetro abdominal), y ecografía abdominal. RESULTADOS: Setecientos dos individuos, 58% mujeres, edad media de 53±14 años. Un 30,8% tuvieron FLI positivo, 6,7% el HAIR y 15,5% el LAP, oscilando la concordancia entre los tres índices entre el 63,1% y el 84,9%, con índices kappa entre 0,18 y 0,50. Cumplían criterios ecográficos de HGNA 184 individuos representando una prevalencia de 26,29%. La prevalencia de HGNA en pacientes con índice FLI, HAIR y LAP positivo fue del 46,8%, 68,1% y 56,0% respectivamente. El índice con mayor sensibilidad para HGNA fue el FLI ≥ 60 con un 84%. La especificidad fue mayor para el HAIR y LAP con un 97% y 91% respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: FLI, HAIR y LAP son muy prevalentes y se han mostrado como marcadores independientes para el diagnóstico de HGNA. La falta de concordancia entre estos índices, provoca la obtención de diferentes prevalencias siendo necesario unificar criterios para obtener un índice más útil para el diagnóstico de HGNA

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the utility of three indices to predict hepatic fibrosis in the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a non-invasive method in primary care. DESIGN: We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study with a populational base from 25 primary care centers in the province of Barcelona. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy individuals aged 17 to 83 years randomly selected from the Primary Care Computer System. METHODS: Medical history, physical examination, and blood analyses were used to determine the following predictive indices of fibrosis; HAIR (hypertension, alanine-aminotransferase, insulin resistance); Fatty Liver Index (FLI) (body mass index, gammaglutamyl-transpeptidase, triglycerides, abdominal perimeter) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) (triglycerides, abdominal perimeter), and abdominal echography. RESULTS: We included 702 individuals; 58% were women and the mean age was 53±14 years. The FLI was positive in 30.8%, HAIR was positive in 6.7%, and LAP was positive in 15.5%. Agreement among the three indices ranged from 63.1% to 84.9%, with kappa indices between 0.18 and 0.50. A total of 184 individuals met the echographic criteria of NAFLD, representing a prevalence of 26.29%. The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with positive FLI, HAIR and LAP indices was 46.8%, 68.1% and 56%, respectively. The index with the greatest sensitivity for NAFLD was tFLI≥60 with 84%. Specificity was highest for HAIR and LAP with 97% and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FLI, HAIR and LAP are highly prevalent and have been shown to be independent markers for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Because of the lack of concordance between the indices, different prevalences are obtained, thus requiring criteria to be unified in order to obtain a more useful index for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Because of the lack of concordance between the indices, different prevalences are obtained, thus requiring criteria to be unified in order to obtain a more useful index for the diagnosis of NAFLD

[Non-invasive markers of fibrosis in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. / Marcadores no invasivos de fibrosis en el diagnóstico del hígado graso no alcohólico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the utility of three indices to predict hepatic fibrosis in the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a non-invasive method in primary care. DESIGN: We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study with a populational base from 25 primary care centers in the province of Barcelona. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy individuals aged 17 to 83 years randomly selected from the Primary Care Computer System. METHODS: Medical history, physical examination, and blood analyses were used to determine the following predictive indices of fibrosis; HAIR (hypertension, alanine-aminotransferase, insulin resistance); Fatty Liver Index (FLI) (body mass index, gammaglutamyl-transpeptidase, triglycerides, abdominal perimeter) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) (triglycerides, abdominal perimeter), and abdominal echography. RESULTS: We included 702 individuals; 58% were women and the mean age was 53±14 years. The FLI was positive in 30.8%, HAIR was positive in 6.7%, and LAP was positive in 15.5%. Agreement among the three indices ranged from 63.1% to 84.9%, with kappa indices between 0.18 and 0.50. A total of 184 individuals met the echographic criteria of NAFLD, representing a prevalence of 26.29%. The prevalence of NAFLD in patients with positive FLI, HAIR and LAP indices was 46.8%, 68.1% and 56%, respectively. The index with the greatest sensitivity for NAFLD was tFLI≥60 with 84%. Specificity was highest for HAIR and LAP with 97% and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FLI, HAIR and LAP are highly prevalent and have been shown to be independent markers for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Because of the lack of concordance between the indices, different prevalences are obtained, thus requiring criteria to be unified in order to obtain a more useful index for the diagnosis of NAFLD.

[Risk factors associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case-control study]. / Factores de riesgo asociados a la presencia de hígado graso no alcohólico: un estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To establish the factors associated with the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and evaluate the influence of each component constituting the metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of developing NAFLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter, population-based, observational, analytical study of cases and controls. A case was defined as any patient fulfilling the inclusion criteria and presenting NAFLD by abdominal echography for any reason. A control was randomly selected for each case, from the same health center and of the same age and sex. All the cases underwent anamnesis, physical examination, complete biochemical analyses and determination of MS according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. All the controls also underwent an abdominal echography. RESULTS: We included 327 cases and 377 controls with a mean age of 56 ± 12 years for the cases and of 55 ± 13 years for the controls (range: 17 and 80 years); 52.0% of the cases were males and 49.1% of males were controls. The risk factors associated with NAFLD were obesity (odds ratio [OR] 3.82, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.19-6.66), MS (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.09-2.75), insulin resistance (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.18-6.12), and an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.58-8.61) and gamma glutamyl transferase values (GGT) (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.34). The components of the MS best predicting NAFLD were hyperglycemia (OR 1.65, 95% CI1.06-2.56) and triglyceride values (OR 1.75, 95% CI1.13-2.72). CONCLUSIONS: The independent variables associated with NAFLD were obesity, insulin resistance and elevated ALT and GGT. The components of MS best predicting NAFLD were hyperglycemia and an increase in triglyceride values.