Samala and colleagues recently assessed impaired quality of life (QOL) and its determinants among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Data were obtained from 341 patients with NAFLD. Patients completed the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Investigators assessed body composition and liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD employing bioelectrical impedance and transient elastography, respectively. Advanced fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) of 12.1 kPa or more. SF-36 scores of patients with NAFLD were compared with the scores of participants with chronic medical illnesses and the general population.

NAFLD patients had a negative correlation between percent body fat and scores from all eight SF-36 scales. Lean body mass was; however, positively associated with scores from five of eight SF-36 scales. Multivariable analysis suggested that SF-36 PF scores had a negative association with type 2 diabetes, body mass index, and LSM and a positive link with lean body mass and alanine aminotransferase level. Patients with NAFLD, as well as those without advanced fibrosis, exhibited significantly lower mean QOL scores in comparison with control group or the general population.

It was concluded that individuals with NAFLD, even those without evidence of advanced fibrosis, had decreased QOL than controls. Body composition is associated with QOL in patients with NAFLD. Both the modifiable factors having an independent association with QOL are related to body composition.

Source: Samala N, Desai A, Vilar E, et al. Decreased Quality of Life is Significantly Associated with Body Composition in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Apr 29.