Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease, and yet the natural course remains unclear. Study population included 36,195 individuals who participated in a health-screening program and diagnosed with fatty liver by abdominal ultrasound. Participants were provided written information regarding fatty liver and advised to make lifestyle changes. Ultrasound was repeated after at least 6 months. After a mean follow up of 4.9 years (±3.4), 19.6% resolved their fatty liver. Individuals who resolved were more likely female (22.9% vs. 12.3%), thinner (body mass index [BMI], 25.2±2.7 vs. 26±2.7), and with lower HOMA-IR (1.4 vs. 1.7) (P.70.001). Decrease in BMI predicted resolution of fatty liver with 42% of those in the top quartile of BMI decline resolving compared with 5.7% in the lowest quartile (odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval [CI]) 15.65 (14.13-17.34), P<0.001)). Baseline HOMA-IR also predicted resolution with those in the top quartile (most insulin resistant) being least likely to resolve (12%) vs. those in the lowest quartile (25%) (OR 0.36 [0.31-0.42], P<0.001). Fatty liver disease is persistent. Individuals with higher degree of insulin resistance are also the most likely to have persistent steatosis at follow up.

View details for DOI 10.1038/s41598-019-44738-7

View details for PubMedID 31308382