A study was conducted to determine the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS).

A cross-sectional observational study was designed with 3002 individuals from a hospital who underwent a health checkup between September 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. MAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of diagnosis of fatty liver on ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) and the presence of any one of the following: overweight or obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic abnormalities. The study participants were divided into two groups on the basis of presence or absence of GERS, based on the GerdQ score - GERS group with 305 subjects and non-GERS group with 2697 subjects.

Findings of the study -

• Prevalence of MAFLD was significantly higher in the GERS group compared to the non-GERS group (p = 0.001).
• Univariate analysis of risk factors for GERS revealed that MAFLD was a risk factor for GERS (OR 1.5).
• After adjusting for confounding factors, such as BMI, waist circumference, lipid levels, and blood pressure, the correlation between MAFLD and GERS was reduced, though it was still significant (OR 1.408; p = 0.010).

It was concluded that MAFLD could be an independent risk factor for GERS.

Source: He Y, Duan ZJ, Wang CF, et al. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Increases the Risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2022 Jan 20;15:199-207.