CORRELATION OF NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE DIAGNOSED BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY WITH LIPID PROFILE AND BODY MASS INDEX IN LAHORE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/j0xb8f50Keywords:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, ultrasonography, obesity, Body Mass Index, Dyslipidemias, , Liver, Urban Population.Abstract
Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic liver conditions worldwide, closely linked to obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. It often remains undiagnosed due to its asymptomatic course and lack of awareness in developing regions. South Asian populations, particularly in Pakistan, face increasing risk owing to sedentary lifestyles and changing dietary habits.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasonography and its association with lipid profile abnormalities and body mass index (BMI) among adults residing in Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 230 adults aged 18 years and above. Participants attending tertiary care hospitals and diagnostic centers were evaluated through structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, ultrasonography, and fasting blood investigations. BMI was categorized according to WHO criteria, and lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was employed to determine independent predictors of NAFLD, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: NAFLD was detected in 132 (57.4%) of the 230 participants, with a higher prevalence in males (64.7%) compared to females (50.3%, p = 0.04). Mean BMI was markedly greater in NAFLD cases (29.8 ± 4.6 kg/m²) than in non-NAFLD individuals (25.1 ± 3.9 kg/m², p < 0.001). Triglycerides were significantly elevated (198.5 ± 42.3 mg/dL vs. 151.7 ± 35.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001), while HDL-C levels were substantially lower (38.4 ± 6.2 mg/dL vs. 46.9 ± 7.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified BMI (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and triglycerides (β = 0.29, p = 0.003) as significant independent predictors of NAFLD.
Conclusion: The study indicates a high prevalence of NAFLD among adults in Lahore, predominantly associated with obesity and dyslipidemia—particularly elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL-C. These findings highlight the urgent need for early screening and metabolic risk management to prevent progressive liver disease.
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