EXPLORING THE PREVALENCE AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS DIR L

Authors

  • Yahya Khan RHC Khall, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Author
  • Qamar Niaz University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Author
  • Mohammad Imran Younus Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Muhammad Bilal Rizvi Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/t492ms95

Keywords:

Liver Cirrhosis, BMI, Cholelithiasis, Surgical History, Functional Dyspepsia, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Ultrasonography

Abstract

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive condition that significantly impacts global health, often coexisting with or mimicking gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia. Its burden is increasing in both developing and developed regions, with multifactorial etiologies including viral infections, malnutrition, metabolic disorders, and post-surgical complications. Early identification through clinical and investigative profiling is crucial for improved prognosis and tailored patient care.

Objective: To determine the frequency and demographic distribution of liver cirrhosis among patients presenting with symptoms of functional dyspepsia and to evaluate associated clinical characteristics including body mass index (BMI), surgical history, and presence of cholelithiasis.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Regional Health Center Khall, Dir Lower, from March to August 2024. A total of 46 patients clinically and radiologically diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Data collection included detailed clinical assessments, liver function tests (LFTs), imaging studies (ultrasonography), and demographic parameters such as age, sex, BMI, symptom duration, prior surgical history, and gallstone presence. Patients were stratified by BMI and age groups, and statistical analysis was used to examine frequency distributions and associations.

Results: The most affected age group was 41–50 years (43.6%). Males constituted 53.9% and females 46.1%, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. BMI analysis showed 30.3% underweight, 35.8% normal, 20.6% overweight, and 13.3% obese. Acute onset of symptoms (≤2 weeks) was reported in 61.2% of cases. History of prior surgery was noted in 35.8% of patients, while 37.6% had cholelithiasis.

Conclusion: Liver cirrhosis was frequently observed in middle-aged, underweight males with functional dyspepsia. Associations with prior surgical history and BMI highlight the need for individualized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for better outcomes.

Author Biographies

  • Yahya Khan, RHC Khall, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

    Medical Officer, RHC Khall, Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

  • Qamar Niaz, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

    Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Mohammad Imran Younus, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan.

    Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Bilal Rizvi, Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.

    Pak International Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.

References

Alberts CJ, Clifford GM, Georges D, Negro F, Lesi OA, Hutin YJ, et al. Worldwide prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among patients with cirrhosis at country, region, and global levels: a systematic review. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022;7(8):724-35.

Manjate PDF, Mussagi AG, Mondlane L, Ismail MA. Unexpected outcome of dyspeptic syndrome. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2024;116(12):720-1.

Marjot T, Ray DW, Williams FR, Tomlinson JW, Armstrong MJ. Sleep and liver disease: a bidirectional relationship. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;6(10):850-63.

Ajmera V, Cepin S, Tesfai K, Hofflich H, Cadman K, Lopez S, et al. A prospective study on the prevalence of NAFLD, advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in people with type 2 diabetes. J Hepatol. 2023;78(3):471-8.

Yang AH, Tincopa MA, Tavaglione F, Ajmera VH, Richards LM, Amangurbanova M, et al. Prevalence of steatotic liver disease, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis among community-dwelling overweight and obese individuals in the USA. Gut. 2024;73(12):2045-53.

Gudan A, Jamioł-Milc D, Hawryłkowicz V, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Stachowska E. The Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Liver Diseases: NAFLD, NASH, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis-A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Nutrients. 2022;14(24).

Mazeaud S, Zupo R, Couret A, Panza F, Sardone R, Castellana F. Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2023;14(7):e00584.

Han X, Zhang X, Liu Z, Fan H, Guo C, Wang H, et al. Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes. 2024;16(5):e13564.

Man S, Deng Y, Ma Y, Fu J, Bao H, Yu C, et al. Prevalence of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in the General Population and Various High-Risk Populations: A Nationwide Study With 5.7 Million Adults in China. Gastroenterology. 2023;165(4):1025-40.

Möller K, Safai Zadeh E, Görg C, Dong Y, Cui XW, Faiss S, et al. Prevalence of benign focal liver lesions and non-hepatocellular carcinoma malignant lesions in liver cirrhosis. Z Gastroenterol. 2023;61(5):526-35.

Tuo S, Yeo YH, Chang R, Wen Z, Ran Q, Yang L, et al. Prevalence of and associated factors for sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr. 2024;43(1):84-94.

Yoo HJ, Lee B, Jung EA, Kim SG, Kim YS, Yoo JJ. Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatol Int. 2023;17(2):452-62.

Lee BP, Dodge JL, Terrault NA. National prevalence estimates for steatotic liver disease and subclassifications using consensus nomenclature. Hepatology. 2024;79(3):666-73.

Traub J, Reiss L, Aliwa B, Stadlbauer V. Malnutrition in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Nutrients. 2021;13(2).

Juanola A, Pose E, Ginès P. Liver Cirrhosis: ancient disease, new challenge. Med Clin (Barc). 2025;164(5):238-46.

Ginès P, Krag A, Abraldes JG, Solà E, Fabrellas N, Kamath PS. Liver cirrhosis. Lancet. 2021;398(10308):1359-76.

Pawlak KM, Wauters L. Guidelines, top-notch science & social media-Jump on the bandwagon. United European Gastroenterol J. 2022;10(1):12-4.

Zamani M, Alizadeh-Tabari S, Ajmera V, Singh S, Murad MH, Loomba R. Global Prevalence of Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;23(7):1123-34.

Huang DQ, Terrault NA, Tacke F, Gluud LL, Arrese M, Bugianesi E, et al. Global epidemiology of cirrhosis - aetiology, trends and predictions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;20(6):388-98.

Qiao G, Feng L, Wang M, Wang C, Li C, Han S, et al. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori that contributes to hepatogenic ulcer is beneficial to the healing of hepatogenic ulcer. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):359.

Pan J, Wang L, Gao F, An Y, Yin Y, Guo X, et al. Epidemiology of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Intern Med. 2022;104:21-32.

Moon AM, Singal AG, Tapper EB. Contemporary Epidemiology of Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;18(12):2650-66.

Moller, H., et al. (2020). The rising burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its association with liver cirrhosis in young adults. Liver International, 40(7), 1694-1700.

Downloads

Published

2025-05-25