Research Article Details

Article ID: A02193
PMID: 34466067
Source: Saudi J Biol Sci
Title: Prevalence and predictors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in tertiary care hospital of Taif, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study.
Abstract: Background: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Saudi Arabia is predicted to exceed 30% by 2030. NAFLD leads to liver fibrosis, thus increasing morbidity and health care burden. Obesity and diabetes have been strongly associated with NAFLD in different cities in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Therefore, we aim to determine the prevalence rate of NAFLD and specific risk factors for NAFLD among patients of tertiary care hospital of Taif city. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients for two years, between Feb 2017 and Feb 2019, (n&#160;=&#160;100) referred to the hepatology clinic at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on the radiology report for patients who were aged >20&#160;years old. Other parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), platelets count, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin were statistically analyzed. Results: We found that 40% (P&#160;<&#160;0.05) of all patients had NAFLD. The results revealed that a significantly high number of patients with NAFLD have high FBG levels (75%, P&#160;<&#160;0.0001) and total bilirubin (P&#160;<&#160;0.05). Meanwhile, platelet count was significantly reduced in patients with NAFLD (P&#160;<&#160;0.05). Conclusion: NAFLD can be a serious health problem in the Taif region. In addition, high FBG is a significant specific risk factor for NAFLD. Health care providers should pay more attention to limiting the prevalence of NAFLD and its risk factors.
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.05.063