Steatosis regression assessed by cap after Vitamin 'D' supplementation in NAFLD patients with Vitamin 'D' deficiency.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and previous studies suggested a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD. It is suggested that vitamin D supplementation may have significant beneficial effect on liver biochemistry and histology. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the degree of possible steatosis regression using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in NAFLD patients with vitamin D deficiency after vitamin D supplementation and evaluating its effect on lipid profile and transaminases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 100 NAFLD patients with vitamin D deficiency. They received 10000 IU/week of vitamin D orally for 3 months. CAP was used to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis before/after intervention. Transaminases, lipid profile, and vitamin D levels were evaluated before/after treatment. RESULTS: Serum AST, ALT, cholesterol, TG, LDL and HDL showed a significant reduction posttreatment in patients with both normal and elevated baseline levels ( P < 0.001). The posttreatment mean CAP showed a significant reduction (300.44 ±â€…37.56 vs. 265 ±â€…36.19 dB/ml) ( P  < 0.001), and there was a significant improvement in the mean fibrosis values by LSM (5.32 ±â€…1.53 vs. 4.86 ±â€…1.28 KPa) ( P  = 0.001). After supplementation, serum vitamin D level was raised significantly in the majority of patients ( P  < 0.001); however, only 13% of them reached sufficient levels (>30 ng/ml), insufficient levels (20-29 ng/ml) was reached in 83% and 5% showed vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: A significant improvement was detected in hepatic steatosis (by CAP); mean values of LSM, transaminases and lipid profile after three months of oral vitamin D supplementation.