Correlation between steatosis and fibrosis in patients with metabolic syndrome

Introduction and Objectives

MAFLD is a highly prevalent cause of chronic liver disease, present in 70% of overweight people, 70% of diabetics, and 90% of morbidly obese people. It is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, defined by the presence of central obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. The development of liver fibrosis is secondary to several factors, steatosis being one of them. To evaluate the correlation of steatosis with hepatic fibrosis in patients with metabolic syndrome using transition elastography.

Materials and Patients

Patients older than 18 years who met MALFD criteria were included, transition elastography was performed to calculate CAP and kilopascals, steatosis degree and fibrosis degree were calculated according to the myfibroscan application, for statistical analysis Pearson's bivariate correlations were used between CAP and kilopascal values. The association between the degree of steatosis and fibrosis was performed using the chi-square test. Was considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results

94 patients were included, 20 men (21.3%), 74 women (78.7%), mean age 40.5 ± 10.02, CAP 300.6 ± 63.4, kilopascals 6.4 ± 2.7, steatosis grade S0: 8, S1: 8, S2: 20, S3: 58, degree of fibrosis F0: 58, F1: 14, F2:14, F3: 6, F4:2. The correlation between CAP and kilopascals was moderate and significant RHO=0.343 P =0.001. A significant association was found between the degree of steatosis and that of fibrosis chi-square (12) =25.1, p=0.015. The proportions were 50% (S0:F0), 16% (S1:F3), 50% (S2:F3), 100% (S3:F4).

Conclusions

The correlation between steatosis and fibrosis is moderate, implying that there are other factors that influence the development of fibrosis and its progression, so metabolic control and other factors in patients with MALFD are highly relevant to prevent fibrosis progression.

Ethical statement

The protocol was registered and approved by the Ethics Committee. The identity of the patients is protected. Consentment was obtained.

Declaration of interests

None

Funding

None