Prevalence of fibrosis and steatosis determined by transition elastography and controlled attenuation parameter (fibroscanâ) in diabetic patients

Introduction and Objective

Younossi ZM et al.have recently reported a higher prevalence of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MAFLD) in diabetics (55.5%) versus the general population (25%); however, in Mexico, the prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis related to MAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) is not precisely known. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis by transition elastography and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using the FibroScanâ equipment in patients with DM2.

Materials and Methods

Observational, descriptive, transversal study included patients who attended the outpatient clinic for DM2 diagnosis between August- 2018 and May- 2022 and who underwent FibroScanâ to determine the absence/presence and degree of fibrosis and steatosis. The following were excluded: patients with risky alcohol consumption, Hepatitis B/C, any type of liver disease or previously diagnosed cirrhosis, and consumption of additional drugs to those for MS. Descriptive statistics were used and the prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis determined by Fibroscanâ was estimated.

Results

183 patients, 64.3% women, mean age 56.1±10.2 years. According to BMI, 81.4% were also overweight/obese (36.6% overweight, 27.2% grade-I obesity, 12.2% grade-II obesity, and 5.4% grade-III obesity). 53.8% also met the criteria for MS. 71.3% had glycosylated hemoglobin, of which 41.6% were out of the target (HbA1c >7.0). Regarding the degree of fibrosis, we found: F4= 29.1%, F3= 6.9%, F2= 4.6%, F1= 2.3% and F0= 57.1%. Regarding the steatosis degree, we found: S3= 23.4%, S2=18.3%, S1=11.7% and S0= 9.7%. Regarding adherence to treatment, we found poor adherence in 39.0%, good adherence in 61.0% and 6.5% of patients were not determined.

Conclusions

The prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis associated with MAFLD is high in Mexican diabetic patients.

Funding

The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.