Frequencies of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Lean Individuals

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) prevalence has doubled in the last 20 years and is becoming a vital health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Lean patients having normal-weight central obesity with NAFLD may have increased morbidity and all-cause mortality and thus form an important target for lifestyle modifications and preventive strategies. Objective: To determine frequencies of NAFLD and Metabolic Syndrome in lean individuals. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was undertaken at the Medicine Department, Pakistan Ordinance Factories Hospital, Wah Cantonment Pakistan from July 2018 to June 2020 enrolling 230 patients aged 20 to 70 years, of both sex. Demographic information, co-morbid conditions, BMI, and waist circumference were recorded. An abdominal ultrasound was performed to determine hepatic fatty infiltration. Blood samples were collected for serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum triglyceride estimation. SPSS 22.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results: Mean age was 45.7+12.5 years with male predominance at 130 (56.5%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 104 (45.2%) and 102 (44.3%) were hypertensive. The mean BMI was 23.4+3.6 kg/m2. The mean serum triglyceride level was 209+10.1 mg/dl and elevated at 141 (61.3%). The mean serum HDL-C level was 23.1+4.2 mg/dl and was reduced by 142 (61.8%). NAFLD was seen in 38 (16.5%) patients and 24 (10.4%) had Metabolic Syndrome. Among the 38 lean NAFLD patients, 21 (55.3%) had Metabolic Syndrome. Conclusion: NAFLD was seen in almost one-fifth of lean patients enrolled. Metabolic syndrome was reported in more than one-half of these lean NAFLD patients