Estimation of Visceral Fat and Fatty Liver Disease Using Ultrasound in Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

Objective Fatty liver disease is the most commonly encountered form of chronic liver dysfunction in routine medical care and is closely associated with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to elucidate how the use of new medications affects the incidence of fatty liver disease and amount of visceral fat, both of which are associated with diabetes. Methods Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to assess the preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT) and presence of fatty liver. The PFT, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were used to investigate the rate and development of fatty liver disease in each group. A multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression was performed using the PFT and presence of fatty liver disease as dependent variables. Patients We evaluated 202 patients treated at the Onitsuka Clinic. The subjects were divided into three subgroups (non-diabetic and diabetic with or without treatment with antidiabetic medications). Results Positive correlations between the PFT, BMI, and waist circumference were observed. No increases in the prevalence of fatty liver disease were observed in the medicated diabetic group, even when the PFT levels were high. A multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression revealed that visceral fat accumulation was inhibited in women and those taking statins or thiazolidines and aggravated in men and those with obesity or an increased waist circumference. Obesity was an aggravating factor for fatty liver disease, and biguanides were useful as counteractants. Conclusion Measuring the PFT is effective for screening metabolic syndrome and evaluating diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension associated with fatty liver disease. Clinically, fatty liver progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be prevented by tackling obesity and administering appropriate medications.

Metabolic syndrome in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with tracheostomy‐invasive ventilation

“…In the correlation analysis, subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness were significantly associated with BMI and lipid profiles. These results were consistent with those of previous reports . The positive association between preperitoneal fat thickness and HDL‐C concentration differed from a previous study .…”

“…These results were consistent with those of previous reports. 11,22 The positive association between preperitoneal fat thickness and HDL-C concentration differed from a previous study. 11 Although we cannot point out the exact reason, one cause may be a deviation in the timing of the measurement of data.…”

“…Both subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness (evaluated by ultrasonography) were significantly higher in the Mets+ group than in the Mets− group. Subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness are associated with visceral fat mass, triglyceride concentration, and waist circumference . From these results, it appears that the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with advanced ALS reflects visceral fat accumulation.…”

“…Subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness are associated with visceral fat mass, triglyceride concentration, and waist circumference. 16,22 From these results, it appears that the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with advanced ALS reflects visceral fat accumulation. In the correlation analysis, subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness were significantly associated with BMI and lipid profiles.…”

Childhood obesity and asthma: To BMI or not to BMI?

“…The android/gynoid index, on the contrary, encompasses several abdominal and subcutaneous fat depots. Pre-peritoneal fat has been associated with cardiovascular disease in adolescents 9 , fatty liver 10 , serum insulin levels 11 , and other changes associated with the metabolic syndrome 12 . The finding in the setting of asthma is novel and interesting, and certainly deserves further exploration.…”