METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE VIETNAMESE

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is gradually becoming the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with its prevalence increasing due to the widespread incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. MAFLD has been proposed to replace the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), emphasizing the role of metabolic factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in the development and progression of liver disease. Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis with BMI in patients with MAFLD. To identify the risk factors for significant liver fibrosis (F ≥ 2) in overweight and obese patients with MAFLD. Methods: The study was conducted on 192 overweight and obese patients visiting 115 People's Hospital in Vietnam from January to December 2023. Patients were evaluated using abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan to determine the degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of MAFLD in the overweight and obese group was 72.92%, higher than in previous studies. There was a positive correlation between BMI and liver steatosis as well as liver fibrosis. The main risk factors for significant liver fibrosis included a high BMI (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and the presence of MAFLD comorbid with other liver conditions such as chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, and alcoholic liver disease. Conclusion: This study highlights the close correlation between BMI and the degree of liver steatosis and fibrosis in overweight and obese patients with MAFLD. The results indicate the importance of weight management and control of comorbid liver conditions to prevent the progression of liver disease in this population.