| Abstract: | To compare the IGF-1 levels, metabolic and clinical parameters among the ultrasonographically classified non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) groups and determine the factors that may predict the NAFLD severity in patients with morbid obesity.This study was conducted on 316 morbidly obese patients (250 females, 66 males). The data of patients before and 1st-year after bariatric surgery were recorded. According to the ultrasonographically NAFLD screening, patients with normal hepatic features were classified as Group 1(n=57), with mild and moderate NAFLD were classified as Group 2(n=219), and with severe NAFLD were classified as Group 3(n=40). IGF-1 standard deviation scores (SDSIGF1) were calculated according to age and gender. Parameters that could predict the presence and severity of NAFLD were evaluated. IGF-1 levels were significantly associated with Group 3 than Group 1(p=0.037), and the significance remained between the same groups when IGF-1 levels were standardized as SDSIGF1(p=0.036). Liver diameter explained 50% of presence severe NAFLD than the normal group and %13 of presence severe NAFLD than the mild-moderate NAFLD group (p<0.001 for both). FPG, ALT, AST, and GGT were also significant predictors for severe NAFLD. There were significant differences between pre-and postop values in all groups (p<0.001). IGF-1 might be considered a significant predictor of severe NAFLD in morbidly obese patients. It is crucial in clinical practice to determine predictive factors of NAFLD that could support the diagnosis accompanied by non-invasive imaging methods. Studies are needed to validate the clinical utility of IGF-1 in the NAFLD disease course. |
