Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in asymptomatic obese women

Journal Title: Annals of Hepatology - Year 2010, Vol 9, Issue 2

Abstract

Objective. To determine the clinical characteristics of NAFLD in asymptomatic obese women. Methods. A total of 457 asymptomatic obese women were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and allocated into groups with and without NAFLD. Irrespective of ALT levels, diagnosis of NAFLD was established by ultrasonographic findings; irrespective of fibrosis, NASH was defined by hepatic histological changes. Results. One hundred ninety five (42.7%) women had elevated ALT levels. Diagnosis of NAFLD was established in 228 (49.9%) women; among women with NAFLD, 34 (14.9%) have ALT levels within the normal range. On the other hand, based on the healthy range for ALT levels (19 UI/L), 336 (73.5%) women had elevated ALT, but only 2 (0.9%) women with NAFLD exhibited ALT levels within normal healthy values. Furthermore, 93 (41%) women who had AST/ALT levels ³ 1 underwent liver biopsy; of these, 90 (96.8%) had diagnosis of NASH and 3 (3.2%) of hepatic cirrhosis. Women with NAFLD were more obese and have higher fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, ALT, and AST levels than obese women without NAFLD. Seventy six (16.6%) women had diagnosis of diabetes; of these 47 (61.8) in the NAFLD group. Conclusions. Results of this study support the statement that women with NAFLD have an adverse metabolic profile. Furthermore, our results show that hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and markers of liver injury such as AST/ALT 1 may be useful for early recognition of NAFLD.

Authors and Affiliations

Heriberto Rodriguez-Hernandez, Miriam Cervantes-Huerta, Jose Gonzalez, María Marquez-Ramirez, Martha Rodriguez-Moran, Fernando Guerrero-Romero

Keywords

Related Articles

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for non-invasive prediction of high risk esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients

Background and objective. Prophylaxis therapy is indicated in cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices or small varices with red wale signs (high risk esophageal varices; HREV). Endoscopic surveillance to detect...

Ultra-sensitive procalcitonin may help rule out bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis

Background. Bacterial infections are frequent complications in patients with cirrhosis. Since they are associated with poor outcomes, antibiotics are frequently over-prescribed. Surrogate markers of bacterial infections,...

Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir dual therapy for chronic HCV genotype 1b infection: results of Turkish early access program

Background. Daclatasvir and asunaprevir dual therapy is approved for the treatment of HCV genotype 1b infection in several countries. Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of daclatasvir and asunaprevir dual therapy...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP77926
  • DOI -
  • Views 98
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Heriberto Rodriguez-Hernandez, Miriam Cervantes-Huerta, Jose Gonzalez, María Marquez-Ramirez, Martha Rodriguez-Moran, Fernando Guerrero-Romero (2010). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in asymptomatic obese women. Annals of Hepatology, 9(2), 144-149. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-77926