IMPACT OF METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE (MAFLD) ON FREQUENCY OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE EXACERBATION
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Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects approximately 24% of the population. The disease progresses silently and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the top three causes of death worldwide. Although recent evidence suggests an increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease among COPD patients, MAFLD remains underexplored in this patient group. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on stable COPD patients using FibroScan to detect fatty liver, with the APASL 2020 criteria applied for MAFLD diagnosis. Results: Among 168 COPD patients, 48.8% were diagnosed with MAFLD. COPD patients with MAFLD had lower FEV1 and FVC values (57.2% vs. 67.0%, p = 0.002) and (80.8% vs. 88.1%, p = 0.009), respectively, compared to those without MAFLD. The frequency of COPD exacerbations was higher in the MAFLD group, with 46.3% experiencing ≥2 exacerbations in the past year compared to 30.2% in the non-MAFLD group (p = 0.032). High CAP scores (>289 dB/m) were strongly associated with frequent exacerbations in the past year (r = 0.4, OR 5.64, p = 0.001). MAFLD was also identified as an independent risk factor for increased exacerbation risk (OR 3.64, p = 0.014). Conclusion: 48.8% of COPD patients also had MAFLD. MAFLD was associated with poorer lung function and increased frequency of exacerbations in the past year. It was identified as an independent risk factor for exacerbations in COPD patients.
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Keywords
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, MAFLD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, FibroScan, Fatty liver disease
References
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