Clinical Profile of Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Fibroscan in the Department of Internal Medicine in a Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is becoming increasingly prevalent, affecting more than one-quarter of adults worldwide, 60% of patients with diabetes, and up to 90% of people with obesity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical
profile of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease undergoing Fibroscan in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, from 15 November 2024 to 16 May 2025 after ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on Fibroscan who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pregnant women, patients with a prior history of alcohol use, those younger than 8 years, those with human immunodeficiency virus infection, and those using steatogenic medications such as tamoxifen, corticosteroids, amiodarone, methotrexate, or valproic acid were excluded. Data were expressed as frequency and percentage.

Results: A total of 56 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on Fibroscanwere studied. Among them, 25 (44.64%) had severe steatosis. Most participants, 27 (48.21%), were in the 41-60-year age group. Forty-five (80.36%) participants had elevated total cholesterol levels.

Conclusion: Severe hepatic steatosis was the most common grade of NAFLD, predominantly among middle-aged male patients. Overweight, dyslipidemia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase were common findings.