Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

NAFLD is more common and occurs at a younger age in IBD than in nonIBD subjects. However, further investigation is required to ascertain possible NAFLD pathogenic IBD-related factors other than conventional/metabolic ones. 10.1093/ibd/izy051_video1izy051.video15774874877001.

Relationship(s) between obesity and inflammatory bowel diseases: possible intertwined pathogenic mechanisms

“…Factors putatively predisposing to fatty liver in IBD were found to be age, a higher BMI, and higher serum triglycerides [115]. Although disease activity, duration and prior surgery were also reported to impact on NAFLD [114], other studies did not find a close relationship with these variables instead the presence of metabolic syndrome was more closely related to liver involvement [116,117]. In the latter study, no significant differences were found between non-IBD and IBD patients when BMI was compared, but IBD patients had an 18.5% morbid abdominal circumference compared with 6.8% in patients without IBD [117].…”

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Complex Interactions, Evaluations, and Management Decisions

“…Not all of the data supports a connection between IBD severity and the development of NAFLD. Principi et al reported that disease activity was not associated with difference in NAFLD prevalence, nor was there a correlation with IBD location or behavior [6]. Non-specific serological markers of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein) were no different in IBD patients versus those with both conditions [42].…”

“…Non-obese patients with NAFLD are more commonly younger, and less likely to have insulin resistance, diabetes or hypercholesterolemia than their overweight or obese counterparts [30]. There are several theories about the role of inflammation in the development of NAFLD and some authors propose that IBD patients are at increased risk for this condition [6]. The reported prevalence of NAFLD may be as high as 55% in patients with IBD [7][8][9].…”

“…The relationship between NAFLD with IBD has been the subject of debate over the last several years, owing to the growing recognition that the two conditions often co-exist and affect patient prognosis [6]. While conclusions on the interplay between the diseases are varied, patients with both diagnoses are unique compared to those with one or the other.…”

“…By 2030, the rates of NAFLD are projected to increase by 21% [5]. NAFLD is frequently diagnosed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, despite having differences in the rates of traditional risk factors [6][7][8]. Patients with these chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory conditions of the luminal gastrointestinal tract may be at increased risk for developing NAFLD due to the inflammatory process or dysbiosis related to their underlying disease [5,[9][10][11][12].…”