Dyslipidemia is an Independent Predictor of Rapid Progressive Disease in Patientswith Chronic Liver Disease

Introduction: In chronic liver disease (CLD), the lipid profile biomarkers are altered because of decreased lipoprotein biosynthetic capacity.

Objectives: To identify the association of dyslipidemia with various characteristics in chronic liver disease patients.

Patients and meth­ods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Civil Hospital, Karachi. The study was conducted between 1st July to 31st December 2017. A total of 211 adults with chronic liver disease were included in the study.

Data regarding age, gender, body mass index (BMI), duration of CLD, family history of dyslipidemia, and severity of cirrhosis were obtained. A 5ml fasting (12-14 hours) venous blood was collected and sent to the laboratory forthe measurement of lipid profiles. Dyslipidemia was established based the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines and definition.

Results: The mean age of the study patients was 43.16(8.63) years. The majority of the subjects were males (57.3%). The mean duration of CLD in years was 5.21(2.32). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was found to be 76.3%. Dyslipidemia was prevalent among patients of the age group > 45 years and male gender. Variables including age, gender, income, duration of CLD and family history of dyslipidemia showed significant association with dyslipidemia. In the multivariable stage analysis, the only retained significant variables are gender and family history of dyslipidemia.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among chronic liver disease patients was high. Various characteristics of the CLD patients were found to be significantly associated with dyslipidemia and identified as potential risk factors for its development.