Original Article

Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Authors: Chung-Huang Tsai, MD, Tsai-Chung Li, PhD, Cheng-Chieh Lin, MD, PhD

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).


Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for NAFLD in Taiwanese adults.


Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 876 subjects were enrolled. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made by abdominal ultrasonography. The Asia-Pacific modification of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines was used to establish the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.


Results: NAFLD was diagnosed in 373 (42.6%) of the study population. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 202 (23.1%) of the study population, and it was independently associated with NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37; P < 0.001). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.24; P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR = 2.23; P = 0.001), increased waist circumference (OR = 1.76; P = 0.013), and the diagnostic components of metabolic syndrome were independently associated with NAFLD.


Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome and some of its diagnostic components are independent risk factors for NAFLD.


Key Points


* Of 202 adults who met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, 150 (74.3%) were diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.


* The odds ratio for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome was 2.37.


* Other features of metabolic syndrome which were independent risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease included hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.24), hyperglycemia (OR = 2.23), and increased waist circumference (OR = 1.76).

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