P-122 MAFLD PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVER STEATOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Introduction and Objectives

Metabolic dysfunction is influenced by several factors in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), such as physical inactivity, modification in body mass distribution, reduction of androgenic hormones, modification in intestinal microbiota, and neuro-autonomic dysfunction itself. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and the independent factors associated with liver steatosis in patients with traumatic SCI.

Materials and Methods

Patients with SCI hospitalized for rehabilitation were randomly assigned to participate. Blood samples were collected, and an abdominal ultrasound was performed. Exclusion criteria were non-traumatic spinal cord injury, less than one year since the injury and less than 18 years old. Patients answered a questionnaire about alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking, as well as a physical activity score. Student´s t-test or Mann Whitney test was used to compare groups (fatty liver and non-fatty liver). The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to test the homogeneity between the proportions. Variables with p< 0.10 in the simple regression analysis were selected and the multiple logistic regression model was done. The significance level used for the tests was 5%.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-five individuals were included initially, but 30 patients were excluded according to exclusion criteria. The mean age was 37 years and 82,6% were men. The prevalence of MAFLD was 17,4% in this population. Multiple logistic regression model showed that age (OR: 1,06 CI 1,03 – 1,09), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1,21 CI 1,1 – 1,34), AST (OR: 1,07 CI 1,02 – 1,12), and HDL (OR: 0,942 CI 0,90 -0,98) were independent predictors of fatty liver in this population.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MAFLD in traumatic spinal cord injured patients was not higher than in the general population. Age, BMI, AST and HDL were predictors of fatty liver. This population will have better long-term survival once we better understand metabolic dysfunction.