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Steatosis degree, measured by morphometry, is linked to other liver lesions and metabolic syndrome components in patients with NAFLD.

Authors :
Boursier J
Chaigneau J
Roullier V
Lainé F
Sandrini J
Michalak S
Hubert I
Dib N
Oberti F
Bertrais S
Hunault G
Deugnier Y
Rousselet MC
Cavaro-Ménard C
Gallois Y
Aubé C
Calès P
Source :
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology [Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol] 2011 Nov; Vol. 23 (11), pp. 974-81.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Background and Aim: We carried out morphometric measurements of steatosis to evaluate relationships between steatosis degree and other liver lesions or metabolic syndrome components in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<br />Patients and Methods: We developed an algorithm to measure steatosis area. Two hundred and fourteen patients with NAFLD were included in derivation (10) and validation (204) groups. Controls consisted of patients who were steatosis-free (12), patients with chronic hepatitis C (188), and patients with alcoholic chronic liver disease (94).<br />Results: Accuracy of steatosis area was considered as good or very good in at least 72% of cases by three pathologists. Steatosis areas were as follows: NAFLD = 10.3 ± 9.7%, virus = 2.4 ± 3.1%, alcohol = 7.8 ± 8.2% (P<0.0001). Steatosis area was closely related to steatosis grades in NAFLD (P<0.0001 for linear trend). Steatosis area increased from the fibrosis stage F0 to the fibrosis state F2, then decreased in the stages F3 and F4 (cirrhosis) (P<0.0001 for quadratic trend). Fibrosis was present in an average steatosis area of approximately 4% (defining significant steatosis) and in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by approximately 8% (defining severe steatosis). Steatosis and fibrosis area increased symmetrically until approximately 10%, then steatosis area decreased to null as average fibrosis area reached 32%. Average fasting glycemia (approximately 92 mg/dl) or triglycerides and BMI plateaued before a steatosis area of approximately 4%, then increased thereafter. Significant steatosis was present in 61.3% of NAFLD versus 20.2% of viral hepatitis (P<0.0001) and in 58.7% of alcoholic liver diseases (P=0.674).<br />Conclusions: The average threshold of steatosis area is 4% for the development of fibrosis or metabolic syndrome components and 8% for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Steatosis area may contribute to defining the normal range and clinical course of metabolic components.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1473-5687
Volume :
23
Issue :
11
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21904208
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/MEG.0b013e32834a4d82