Epidemiologic features of nonalcoholic fatty liver in urban community of Elazığ

Abstract

Background/aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is common in industrialized societies, but epidemiological data of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is insufficient in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosed by ultrasonography and the risk factors in an eastern Turkish general population. Materials and methods: A hepatobiliary ultrasonography was performed on 459 subjects randomly selected from the general population in Elaz›ğ. Body mass index and waist circumference were calculated and serum lipids, glucose, viral serology and aminotransferases levels were measured. In statistical analysis, chi-square, t-test and logistic regression were used. Results: 408 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 80 years participated in the study. After four persons were excluded (1 for regular alcohol consumption and 3 for chronic viral hepatitis), the remaining 404 persons were evaluated. Prevalence of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was 16.5% in females, 23.7% in males (p