Do we need to screen bone mineral density in patients with Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Upper Egypt experience

Abstract

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked with a number of extra hepatic diseases and could be a potential risk factor of decreasing bone mineral density (BMD). Aim: To assess bone mineral density, serum calcium and serum vitamin D in Upper Egyptian patients with NAFLD to determine if patients who have NAFLD are at risk of developing osteoporosis or not. Methods: cross-section study was done on a total 100 individuals; 50 patients diagnosed with NAFLD crossed-matched with 50 individuals without NAFLD regarding to age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Bone mineral density, serum calcium and phosphorus levels, serum parathyroid hormone, serum vitamin D and fasting insulin level were assessed. Results: In this study, there is significant difference in bone mineral density between patients with NAFLD (-2.29 ± 0.4) and controlled individuals (-1.53 ± 0.1) with p value < 0.001 and osteoporosis was more prevalent in patients with NAFLD than control group with p value < 0.001. Serum vitamin D level was statistical significant predicts osteoporosis (P<0.001). Conclusion: The study showed a significant decreased in bone density, vitamin D and serum calcium in patients with NAFLD than controls.