The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of NAFLD in older Australians and their self-awareness of this problem. Methods: We recently completed a comprehensive health survey of residents, over the age of 65, living on the Central Coast. We recruited 831 community-based participants who completed a questionnaire assessing their medical history, including 5-Fluoracil datasheet all types of liver diseases, metabolic risk factors, medications and alcohol
intake. These subjects had their BMI, body anthropometry and biochemistry analysed. Fatty liver index (FLI)2 is a validated non-invasive method of estimating the likelihood of NAFLD in individuals. FLIs were calculated and subjects classified into three categories, FLI < 30 (No NAFLD), 30 ≤ FLI < 60 (Borderline) and FLI ≥ 60 (NAFLD). Local Human Research Ethics Committee approval was given and informed consent obtained. Results: For analysis, subjects with other liver diseases and alcohol intake > 20 g/day
were excluded, leaving 510 individuals. Only one of the participants with FLI≥ 60 and one with a borderline value self-reported NAFLD. Results are given as means ±SD. Fatty Liver Index p value <30 ≥60 n (%) 135 (26.5) 226 (44.3) Age (yrs) 78.7 ± 7.5 77.1 ± 6.5 ns Sex (F/M) 100/35 111/115 < 0.0001 BMI (kg/m2) 23.4 ± 2.5 32.0 ± 4.1 < 0.0001 Waist circumference (cm) 83.4 ± 7.6 108.3 ± 9.8 < 0.0001 ALT (U/L) 20.3 ± 9.4 23.8 ± 11.2 0.011 γ-glutamyltransferase (U/L) 23.9 ± 11.3 44.5 ± 43.0 <0.0001 Triglycerides SCH727965 datasheet (mg/dL) 84.3 ± 31.3 149.7 ± 66.3 <0.0001 Type 2 DM (%) 7 (5.3) 51 (22.7) <0.0001 Insulin (mIU/L) 4.8 ± 3.1 10.9 ± 6.9 <0.0001 Alcohol intake (g/day) 4.6 ± 6.1 5.4 ± 6.2 ns Conclusions: This is the first report of the prevalence of NAFLD in an elderly
Australian population (44.3%) and this value is higher than clonidine the previous estimates used. Older Australians appear to be unaware of this condition and its impact on their health. 1 GESA/ALA. The economic cost and health burden of liver disease in Australia. Deloitte Access Economics, February 2013 2 Koehler E et al. External Validation of the Fatty Liver Index for Identifying Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Population-based Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2012.12.031 E ZHAO,1 L HORSFALL,2 BJ RUFFIN,3 KJ FAGAN,1,2 KM IRVINE,1 EE POWELL1,2 1Centre for Liver Disease Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital; 2Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane, 3The University of Queensland, School of Nursing. Introduction: Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis, a chronic disease state that leads to recurrent hospital admissions and huge health-care costs. In other common chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, risk factors for early readmission have been identified.