Prevalence and clinical-epidemiologic characteristics of a Mexican population with metabolic (dysfunction) associated...

The risk factors for fatty liver disease are frequent in the Mexican population and the available studies appear to underestimate its prevalence. Our aims were to know the prevalence of metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in an open population and determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, physical activity level, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, in the affected population.

Volunteers from the general public were invited to take part in the study. Three separate questionnaires were applied to 1) determine the sociodemographic characteristics and health status of the participants, 2) evaluate the quality of their diet, and 3) to evaluate their level of physical activity. The participants underwent somatometry, laboratory tests, liver ultrasound, and FIB-4 index determination, and transition elastography (FibroScan®) was carried out on all subjects with signs suggestive of liver fibrosis that agreed to undergo the procedure. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for Windows, version 22, software.

A total of 585 volunteers were studied, resulting in a prevalence of MAFLD of 41.3%, a predominance of men above 50 years of age, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyle. Male sex, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and elevated ALT were risk factors for the disease and 40% of those affected had advanced fibrosis.

The prevalence of MAFLD in our population is one of the highest in the world. The conditioning factors of the disease can be modified. Therefore, public policies that redirect the current trend are required.