Research Article Details

Article ID: A37894
PMID: 12841891
Source: Obes Surg
Title: Prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in morbidly obese subjects undergoing gastric bypass.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obesity is the most common cause of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is a prospective study to determine the incidence and severity of NASH in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for morbid obesity. We also examined the relationship between NASH and potential risk factors. METHODS: In 48 consecutive patients at RYGBP, a core liver biopsy was obtained from the left lateral segment. A single liver pathologist reviewed the histology for steatosis, ballooning/disarray, necroinflammation, and fibrosis. RESULTS: 84% of patients were female, and average BMI was 51. 18% had WHR >1. The following risk factors were present: DM 16%; hyperlipidemia 61%; HTN 47%; and abnormal LFTs 18%. 90% had abnormal liver histology, and 56% qualified for the diagnosis of NASH. Only DM and abnormal LFTs were found to be significantly related to NASH. CONCLUSIONS: NASH is a common co-morbidity of obesity and requires systemized grading and staging to develop accurate knowledge of the incidence, severity, natural history and impact of weight loss.
DOI: 10.1381/096089203765887633