Factors related with the elevated hepatic aminotransferase level clinically suspected of fatty liver

Song, Yun Mi

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Fatty liver, the most possible cause for an elevated hepatic aminotransferase level once hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the drug induced hepatitis were excluded, is supposed to have association with obesity as well as inqestion of alcohol. This study was performed to find an epidemiologic evidence for the association between obesity and fatty liver.
METHODS
A case control study was carried out on 160 cases matched for age and sex with 160 controls in a tertiary care hospital family practice clinic. Patients who had either an elevated aminotransferase level (> 45 IU/L) at two separate times or at one time with ultrasonic evidence compatible to fatty liver without any evidence of other causes that might affect the liver were included into case group. Information on the height, weight, cholesterol level, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical exercise, and past medical history were obtained through a review of medical records and self administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the independent association.
RESULTS
With the increase of body mass index (BMI), the association between BMI and an elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver inareased. Significantly increased associations were observed in BMI levels 25~29 kg/2 (Odds ratio[OR],5.02; 95 % confidence interval[CI], 1.49 16.93) and more than 30 kg/m2 (OR, 14.87; 95 % CI, 2.58 85.62). Consuming large amount of alcohol (> 60g/day)and increasing cholesterol level were also significantly associated with elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver.
CONCLUSION
Factors associated with elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver were heavy drinking, cholesterol level, and BMI. Large OR observed in high BMI levels (over 25 kg/m2) and dose response relationship with BMI seem to suggest a causal relationship between obesity and fatty liver.