Correlation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Background: Many organ systems are found to be affected in NAFLD including heart.NT-pro BNP determination has been proven to be useful and accurate for ruling out the diagnosis of heart dysfunction. Aim: To characterize the correlation between NT-proBNP and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method: For this study, 60 cases of NAFLD were examined and evaluated in Department of Medicine, N.S.C.B. Medical College & Hospital, Jabalpur (M.P.) All study subjects were examined by same radiologist for detecting fatty liver and grading by ultrasonography of abdomen; and all patients undergo fibroscan by same technician for measuring liver stiffness measurement . Similarly, NT-proBNP levels were also measured using a commercially available immunochemical system. Result: Our study shows that NT-pro BNP levels are significantly lower in patients of NAFLD without diastolic dysfunction(mean±SD46.17±18.74) and compared to NAFLD patients with diastolic dysfunction(160.89±42.11). Conclusion: Difference in NT- pro BNP levels was significantly observed in NAFLD patients with or without diastolic dysfunction. Therefore, NT ProBNP can be used as a diagnostic tool for diagnosis of NAFLD in patients without diastolic dysfunction.