Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives/background/method
NAFLD is a spectrum of liver disorders associated with the metabolic syndrom. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic creteria of NAFLD in patient seen in the Departement of Gastroenterology, Ullevål Hospital during a six years period, 2000-2005. Clinical and biochemical data were retrospectively registered from the patiens`medical journal.
Results
In all, 100 patients were included, 47 % women (n=47) and 53 % men (n=53). Of them 76 fulfil the inclusion criteria defined by a recent prospective NASH 2002 study, in which some of the patiens had been included. Twenty four did not fulfil the criteria. Six of these 24 had steatosis, on US or CT, and the remaining 18 had elevated liver enzymes in one test only, i.e. the confirmation in a subsequent test after six months was not met.
Conclusion
This retrospective study shows that 76 patients fulfil the strict inclusion criteria of the NASH 2002 study. These criteria are useful guiedlines, but too strict to be completely adhered to in practice.
It would be useful to have a protocol as a guideline for diagnostic work-out in NAFLD.