Outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study.

BackgroundThe term "metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) is suggested alternative for "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD), as it better reflects metabolic dysfunction. No study has compared outcomes of the two diagnostic criteria.MethodsIn an ongoing, community-based, cohort-study in suburban Sri Lanka, participants were randomly selected in 2007. They were reassessed in 2014 to evaluate new-onset metabolic traits (MTs) and cardiovascular-events (CVEs). Baseline characteristics, MTs and CVEs after 7-years were compared in NAFLD and MAFLD and vs. controls. Similarly, we compared these parameters in those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition and vice versa, and vs. controls.FindingsOf 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5%) had NAFLD, 990 (33.1%) had MAFLD and 362 (12.1%) were controls. When compared to NAFLD, MAFLD captured an additional 2.9% and lost 1.3% individuals. At baseline, anthropometric and metabolic traits were similar in NAFLD and MAFLD. At follow-up in 7-years, the risk of having new-onset MTs and fatal/non-fatal CVEs were similar in the groups, but were significantly higher compared to controls. Those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition showed higher baseline MTs compared to those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition, and had substantially higher risk for having new-onset MTs and CVEs compared to controls.InterpretationAlthough NAFLD and MAFLD had similar MTs at baseline, and similar outcomes after 7-years, those who were excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition seem at higher risk of adverse outcomes than those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition. Although the increase in the index population was small, redefining NAFLD as MAFLD seemed to improve clinical utility

Non-resolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among urban, adult Sri Lankans in the general population: A prospective, cohort follow-up study.

BACKGROUND:There are few studies investigating the natural course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the community. We assessed resolution of NAFLD in a general population cohort of urban Sri Lankans adults. METHODS:Participants were selected by age-stratified random sampling from electoral lists. They were initially screened in 2007 and re-evaluated in 2014. On both occasions structured interview, anthropometric-measurements, liver ultrasonography, and biochemical/serological tests were performed. NAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound criteria for fatty liver, safe-alcohol consumption (<14-units/week for men, <7-units/week for women) and absence of hepatitis B/C markers. Non-NAFLD was diagnosed on absence of any ultrasound criteria for fatty liver and safe-alcohol consumption. Resolution of NAFLD was defined as absence of ultrasound criteria for fatty liver. Changes in anthropometric indices [Weight, Body-Mass-Index (BMI), waist-circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR)], clinical [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] and biochemical measurements [Triglycerides (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Total Cholesterol (TC), HbA1c%] at baseline and follow-up were compared. RESULTS:Of the 2985 original study participants, 2148 (71.9%) attended follow-up after 7 years. This included 705 who had NAFLD in 2007 and 834 who did not have NAFLD in 2007. Out of 705 who had NAFLD in 2007, 11(1.6%) changed their NAFLD status due to excess alcohol consumption. After controlling for baseline values, NAFLD patients showed significant reduction in BMI, weight, WHR, HDL and TC levels and increase in HbA1c levels compared to non-NAFLD people. Despite this, none of them had complete resolution of NAFLD. CONCLUSION:We did not find resolution of NAFLD in this general population cohort. The observed improvements in anthropometric, clinical and biochemical measurements were inadequate for resolution of NAFLD