Non alcoholic fatty liver disease in a Nigerian population with type II diabetes mellitus

• Published in: The Pan African medical journal Vol. 24; no. 20; p. 20
• Main Authors: Olusanya, Titilola Osawaye, Lesi, Olufunmilayo Adenike, Adeyomoye, Adekunle Ayokunle, Fasanmade, Olufemi Adetola
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda African Field Epidemiology Network 2016; The African Field Epidemiology Network; The Pan African Medical Journal
• Subjects: Adult; africa; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology; dyslipidaemia; Dyslipidemias - complications; Dyslipidemias - epidemiology; fatty liver disease; Female; Humans; Male; Metabolic disorders; Middle Aged; Nigeria - epidemiology; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - epidemiology; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - etiology; Obesity, Abdominal - complications; Obesity, Abdominal - epidemiology; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; ultrasound scan; Waist Circumference - physiology; Fatty liver disease; ultrasound scan; dyslipidaemia; Africa
• ISSN: 1937-8688; 1937-8688
• DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.20.8181

Worldwide, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an important cause of chronic liver disease and cardiovascular morbidity, even more so in subjects with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in an African population with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. We performed a case control study and evaluated anthropometric and biochemical risk factors for NAFLD in 336 subjects (T2DM and non-diabetic controls). Parameters assessed included estimation of BMI (Body Mass Index), measurement of waist circumference (WC), serum cholesterol including HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride and serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Hepatitis B and C viral antibody screening was also performed. The diagnosis of NAFLD was confirmed by identification of hepatic steatosis on abdominal ultrasound scan evaluation and exclusion of significant alcohol consumption. NAFLD was identified in 16.7% (28 of 168) patients with T2DM compared with 1.2% (2 of 168) non-diabetic controls (Odds Ratio 16.6; p < 0.001). Central obesity (WC > 102cm) and dyslipidaemia (HDL-c < 40mg/dl) were independently associated with NAFLD in male subjects with T2DM (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04 respectively). NAFLD occurred more frequently in patients with T2DM than controls and was associated with central obesity and dyslipidaemia. The diabetic subjects with NAFLD will require more intensive therapy to decrease the risk of hepatic, cardiovascular and other adverse events.