P-66 CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROFILE AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent cause of liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of 25%. There seems to be a connection between the gravity of NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and the increase in cardiovascular events and mortality. This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular risk profile and subclinical atherosclerosis of individuals with NAFLD. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational analytical study. Adults with an established risk for the development of NAFLD were selected, such: as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), obesity or overweight, and/or altered alanine aminotransferase. Non-invasive assessment of liver steatosis and fibrosis was performed by hepatic ultrasound (US) and transient elastography. We evaluated the frequency of the cardiovascular disease, according to the clinical history and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), using an ultrasound examination of the carotids. Results: All data are presented in median (IQR) or n(%). Forty-three participants were enrolled, female 34(79%), chronological age 62.5(54-67.2)years. Comorbidities: Systemic Arterial Hypertension 30(69.7%), T2DM 22(51.1%), Obesity 19(44.1%) and Dyslipidemia 22(55,8%). Only one was a smoker. Carotids-US: vascular age 65(62-83) years, right cIMT 0.65(0.54-0.8)mm and left cIMT 0.65(0.54-0.76)mm, atherosclerotic plaques were present in 11(25,5%) participants. Hepatic Steatosis were observed in 37(86.1%) classified according to the US-FLI score as: mild 8(21.6%), moderate 19(51.3%) and severe 10(27.1%). Liver Fibrosis (F ≥2) were observed in 11(29.7%), among them 4(36.3%) had atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusions: The data suggest a high frequency of atherosclerosis, demonstrated by the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries in patients with hepatic fibrosis.