Hepatic steatosis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and its relationship to body mass index and co-morbidities.
BACKGROUND
Although non-alcoholic hepatitis usually is asymptomatic and benign, this condition may progress to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Some findings are similar to alcoholic hepatitis, but there is no history of excessive alcohol consumption. Among the factors associated with non-alcoholic hepatitis, obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia are the most important.


METHODS
77 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery had their liver biopsy compared to the presence of co-morbidities and BMI.


RESULTS
67 patients (87.1%) had an abnormal liver biopsy, mostly due to steatosis (83.1%), but also steatohepatitis (2.6%) and cirrhosis (1.3%). The degree of liver damage was related to higher BMI scores. Co-morbidities were present in 46.9% of the patients with hepatic steatosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors suggest that a liver biopsy should be performed in all patients at bariatric surgery, in order to evaluate possible liver damage and to assist postoperative care.
Moretto
Myriam
M
Department of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology), Centro da Obesidade Mórbida, Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil. ccmottin@terra.com.br
Kupski
Carlos
C
Mottin
Cláudio Corá
CC
Repetto
Giuseppe
G
Garcia Toneto
Marcelo
M
Rizzolli
Jacqueline
J
Berleze
Diovanne
D
de Souza Brito
Cesar Luis
CL
Casagrande
Daniela
D
Colossi
Fernanda
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index