Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Patients Referred to Radiological Departments at Hail Hospitals, KSA

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence and prevalence have increased globally. The gravity of this chronic disease comes from its ability to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are rising rapidly. Genetic, demographic, environmental, and clinical factors are significant in the occurrence of NAFL. This study aimed to assess risk factors that affect the occurrence of NAFLD. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was carried out at hospitals in the Hail Region, KSA. It included 160 patients: 76 were considered as control (normal liver), and 84 suffered from fatty liver (according to a US image). Sonography was carried out using a US scanner with curvilinear transducers having a frequency of 3.5MHz. The following data were obtained: age, BMI, clinical history, including long-term medication of more than 3 months (oral antidiabetic medications, hormone replacement therapy for hyperthyroidism, and antihypertensive drug), T2D, viral hepatitis, liver span, lipidemia, metabolic disorders, and weight loss. The prevalence of NAFLD increases significantly among patients taking medications for a long time and T2D patients (P<0.001). Hepatomegaly is one of the most common physical examination findings of NAFLD (P<0.001). Conclusion: A periodic US examination is helpful because it can reveal fatty infiltration of the liver in the early stages to avoid fatal complications, especially for patients with long-term medication or T2D. Other studies with larger sample sizes and different known risk factors are needed to discover all risk factors for the KSA population.