Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

Aim: The liver plays a crucial role in the synthesis and catabolism of cholesterol. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the developed world and commonly associated with metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of NAFLD in Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). Material and Method: Between 2017 and 2018, individuals with FH who had been referred to the Department of Endocrinology at Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital were admitted to this single center case-control study. Total 30 individuals (17 female and 13 male) who have FH were compared to a control group included 39 participants (30 female and 9 male). The two groups were thought to be well matched in terms of sample size and gender distribution. Family history was registered. Diagnosis is made by blood tests and ultrasound imaging of liver. Results: The two groups showed no significant differences in terms of age and gender. NAFLD was seen at 12 of 39 individuals in the control group. It was seen at 16 of 30 persons in the FH group (p = 0.058). Total cholesterol (mg / dl) (333.27 ± 58.46) (219.23 ± 82.84) (p = 0.000), LDL (mg / dl) (249.93 ± 45.43) (127.11 ± 46.52) (p = 0.000) and CRP (mg / L) (3.37 ± 4.16) (1.43 ± 1.96) (p = 0.014) levels were significantly different between the FH and control groups respectively. Conclusion: There isn't a significant difference between control and FH groups in terms of NAFLD. The absence of NAFLD on ultrasonography, should not reduce the severity and importance of FH, and the treatments should be made to prevent complications such as atherosclerosis.