Regression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Detected by Sonography: Results of a Four Years Prospective Adult Population-Based Study

Today, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health problem owing to its high prevalence. Literature evidence about regression of NAFLD are not as high as its development or progression.

This cohort study was conducted to reveal the factors influencing the regression of the NAFLD.

A population-based study conducted in Shiraz, Iran. Adults older than 18 years were recruited by multistage randomized sampling in 2012, and then in 2017. Demographic, anthropometric, nutritional, and medical characteristics of each interviewee were entered into a valid and reliable questionnaire. Interviewees were categorized into three groups according to the changing of their NAFLD status between two stages of this study; no change, regressed and progressed.

Of the 537 participants, 163 (30.3%) showed regression of their NAFLD compared to 93 (17.3%) that their NAFLD was progressed. Multinomial regression showed that each unit of decrease in BMI (Δ BMI= -1 kg/m2) augmented the relative risk (RR) of improvement of NAFLD by 13.3% (RR: 0.867; 95% CI: 0.776 - 0.969; P = 0.012) and reduced the relative risk of NAFLD deterioration by 14.3% (RR: 1.143; 95% CI: 1.009 - 1.294; P = 0.035).

A significant portion of patients showed regression of their NAFLD by decreasing their BMI. Therefore, BMI as a modifiable variable should be regarded in the management of NAFLD patients.