0512 Apnea-Hypopnea Index does not correlate with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease scores

Abstract

Introduction Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are two conditions that have increased in prevalence in the United States. NAFLD is a spectrum of liver disease ranging from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to cirrhosis. The purpose of this project is to study the relationship between OSA, measured by apnea-hypopnea index and/or arterial oxygen saturation nadir (O2 nadir) during sleep (independent variable) vs. extent of NAFLD as measured by non-invasive scores such as NAFLD Fibrosis score, aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), BARD score and FIB-4 score (dependent variable). Methods A convenient sample of 91 haphazardly selected veterans with OSA and NAFLD from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Computerized Record System (CPRS) system were included in the study. NAFLD eligibility was determined by abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or biopsy. Dependent variables were NAFLD scores of APRI, NAFLD Fibrosis, BARD, and FIB-4. OSA was determined by in-lab polysomnogram or home sleep study. Independent variables were AHI, O2 nadir, age and body mass index (BMI). Patients with a history of alcohol abuse or Hepatitis B or C were excluded from the study. A multiple regression analysis was used to describe the relationship between OSA and NAFLD scores. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Age correlated with FIB-4 score, BARD score, and NAFLD fibrosis score (p = < 0.001, 0.003, < 0.001, respectively). BMI correlated with NAFLD fibrosis score (p < 0.001). When controlled for age and BMI, AHI and O2 nadir did not correlate with APRI, NAFLD fibrosis, BARD, or FIB-4 scores. Conclusion OSA measured by AHI and O2 nadir do not correlate with severity of fatty liver disease as measured by APRI, NAFLD fibrosis, BARD, or FIB-4 scores. Support (if any) None