Author/Authors :
Rogha، Mehran نويسنده MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Najafi، Nazila نويسنده MD, General Practitioner, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Azari، Azadeh نويسنده MD, General Practitioner, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Kaji، Mahboubeh نويسنده MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Pourmoghaddas، Zahra نويسنده MD, General Practitioner, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Rajabi، Fereshteh نويسنده MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Isfahan , , Rezaee، Mina نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Objectives: Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a cause of cirrhosis.
Detecting its preventable causes could be useful in decreasing
the disease and its complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence
of NASH in adult population living in Isfahan city as a sample of
Iranian population.
Methods: Blood samples of 2030 individuals referring to Dr. Shariati
Hospital for routine health check-up were collected. All individuals
with high liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or
Alanine aminotransferease (ALT)] were included in the study. Known
causes of altered liver enzymes were excluded. Second blood samples
were obtained 6 months later and those cases with persistent enzyme
elevation were surveyed with ultrasonography.
Results: In the first survey, 234 individuals (11.5 %) had ALT levels of
more than 40 U/L. By rechecking samples after 6 months, 50% of all
high serum ALT individuals remained at high level. After conducting
complementary biochemical tests, 3.3% of the population was considered
to have NASH; 20% of NASH cases did not have any abnormal
findings in ultrasonography. Hypercholesterolemia was the most coexisting
risk factor in NASH cases. We found a reverse correlation
between ALT level and age (P = 0.02).
Conclusions: The prevalence of NASH was comparable with other
countries. According to the significantl correlation between ALT level
and age, preventive interactions in younger individuals would decrease
the incidence of NASH.
