Frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a series of forensic cases in Mexico

Abstract

The Mexican population is overweight (34%) and obese (21%). Obesity is a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Most studies of the frequency and prevalence of NAFLD have been performed using ultrasonography. In Mexico, ultrasound-based studies have shown a prevalence of NAFLD of 15.7 to 17 %. Objective. The objective was to determine the frequency of NAFLD in apparently asymptomatic individuals who died instantly in a traffic accident and with not known background of liver disease. Material and Methods. Autopsies were performed at the Coroner’s Office in the Municipality of Boca del Río, Mexico, during the period from January to December 2016. The variables studied included age, sex, weight, height, abdominal perimeter, fat panicle-thickness, main cause of death, and liver biopsy (NASH CRN classification). Results. Of the 32 cases studied, 78.1 % were males. Average age was 48 years (range 20-80 years). The body mass index range (BMI) was 17-33. A 34% of cases had NAFLD. 27.3 % of the cases with NAFLD had a normal BMI. Conclusions. This postmortem study showed a higher frequency of asymptomatic hepatic steatosis than previously reported in the Mexican population. The establishment of timely national measures to detect and prevent complications of NFALD is necessary.