A Comparative Study of Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Alcoholic-Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background: Fatty liver disease has been associated with increased levels of various circulating inflammatory markers. Difference in the level of increased inflammatory markers between patients with AFLD and NAFLD is still unclear. Aim & Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the inflammatory markers between patients with alcoholic-fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and also to see if any correlation exists between inflammatory markers and liver enzymes. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 70 patients with fatty liver disease (35 AFLD and 35 NAFLD) and 35 healthy controls. Venous blood samples were taken and the required blood parameters (total leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, ESR) and liver function test were determined. Statistical analysis was done by using Student’s t test and Pearson correlation test. Results: The TLC, Neutrophil count, N/L ratio and ESR were significantly higher while the lymphocyte count was significantly lower in patients with fatty liver disease when compared with the controls. The TLC, Neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and ESR of patients with AFLD when compared to patients with NAFLD showed no statistically significant differences. There was a significant positive correlation between the value of ALT with TLC in patients with AFLD. Conclusion: Fatty liver disease is associated with increased inflammatory markers. Since increased inflammatory marker in fatty liver disease is indicative of liver injury, due importance should be given to assessment of inflammatory markers in the management of patients with fatty liver disease. Keywords: Fatty liver disease, Total leukocyte count, Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Alanine aminotransferas