scholarly journals A 12-week multi-component dietary intervention improves markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Irish patients in tertiary care

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Ní Fhloinn ◽  
Ciara Wright ◽  
Sara Naimimohasses ◽  
Stephen Finn ◽  
Suzanne Norris ◽  
...  

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant public health concern closely linked to obesity, affecting an estimated 25% of adults in Europe. Understudied in Ireland, the aim of this research was to examine the effects of a 12-week multi-component dietary intervention on weight loss and markers of liver injury in Irish NAFLD patients in tertiary care. Biopsy confirmed NAFLD patients (n = 27) were recruited from St James’ Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Consenting participants underwent a 12-week moderate-intensity intervention incorporating weekly group nutritional education, behavioural change and group support, as well as individualised advice and weigh-ins from a trained nutritionist. Control group participants were given routine clinical care. All participants were clinically reviewed before, immediately after, and 3 months post intervention. Individuals (n = 12) with histological evidence of steatohepatitis underwent a repeat liver biopsy on completion of the intervention. Detailed dietary assessment was performed using both a 4-day diet diary (4DDD) and a novel, recently validated, short food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) designed specifically to assess habitual intakes of food items related to NAFLD. Nutrient intakes were analysed using myFood24TM dietary analysis software, and the Mediterranean diet quality score (MDQS) was used to assess the overall change in dietary patterns. Of the 15 participants who completed the intervention, 80% (n = 12) achieved a weight loss exceeding 5%, with 47% (n = 7) achieving > 7%. There were significant improvements from baseline to week 12 in the intervention group for the majority of clinical parameters including HbA1c (p = 0.0054), liver enzymes (ALT, p = 0.0108; GGT, p = 0.0001) and transient elastography (kPA, p = 0.0308; CAP, p = 0.0081). However, these results failed to maintain significance when analysed compared to controls. The overall dietary pattern was significantly improved after 12 weeks as assessed by the MDQS (p = 0.03), with no apparent compromise in micronutrient intake despite the energy reduction. Reductions in energy, saturated fat, carbohydrate and sugar intakes at 12 weeks, were maintained at three months follow up. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention liver biopsies in the intervention group demonstrated a clinically significant improvement in NAS score (p = 0.0273), attributable to reductions in hepatic steatosis (p = 0.0078). A significant correlation was observed between improvement in liver histology and change in sugar intake (r = 0.7534, p = 0.0093). Although results were somewhat limited by small sample size, nutritional education achieved beneficial dietary changes that persisted after the intervention ceased. Notably, achieving reductions in sugar intakes may be particularly beneficial in reducing the severity of hepatic steatosis in Irish adults with NAFLD.

2020 ◽  
pp. flgastro-2020-101669
Author(s):  
Imran Patanwala ◽  
Lili Emese Molnar ◽  
Katherine Akerboom ◽  
Katie Elizabeth Lane

ObjectiveTo evaluate the uptake and effectiveness of an existing open access lifestyle intervention forged in collaboration between a third sector organisation, funded by local government and a secondary care non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) service in the North West of England.MethodA service outcome evaluation using precomparison design and postcomparison design was conducted to analyse changes between baseline clinical health records and 12-week follow-up for patients with NAFLD who completed the lifestyle intervention. Lifestyle factors, weight loss, changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes and lipid profiles were compared between patients who completed the programme vs 1:1 matched patients who did not.ResultsOnly 16 of 167 patients with NAFLD offered the intervention completed the programme. Intervention patients achieved significant weight loss (−2.3% p≤0.05) over 12 weeks, where the non-intervention group had non-significant weight gain (+0.95%). ALT improved by 20.6 IU/L in the interventional group and 15.75 IU/L in the non-intervention group; however, this was not statistically different.ConclusionThis study presents first of its kind evaluation of a service collaboration in the UK. Only 1 in 10 patients offered the opportunity completed the programme, a limitation that could affect future strategies. Patient and public involvement research is needed to identify barriers to participation, address adherence issues and identify support mechanisms for lifestyle interventions in patients with NAFLD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000634
Author(s):  
Monica A Tincopa ◽  
Jane Wong ◽  
Michael Fetters ◽  
Anna S Lok

ObjectiveDespite clear evidence that weight loss via nutritional and physical activity changes improves histological outcomes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many patients struggle to implement and maintain these health behaviour changes. The aim of this study was to characterise disease knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among persons with NAFLD and to identify the factors driving these health behaviours and perceptions.DesignWe conducted semistructured interviews among patients with NAFLD. We used purposeful sampling to enroll equivalent percentages based on age and sex, and enrolled approximately one-third of patients with cirrhosis to capture those perspectives. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Transcripts were coded using NVivo software to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsA total of 29 patient interviews were completed. Ambiguity about the diagnosis and aetiology of their liver disease was a key theme, though the vast majority of patients were aware that weight loss via nutrition and exercise was the primary therapy. Most patients were asymptomatic, diagnosed incidentally, and reported low level of concern regarding their diagnosis. The primary barriers and facilitators to health behaviour change were the presence of social support, competing medical comorbidities and low motivation to change behaviours.ConclusionsAlthough patients are aware that lifestyle interventions are the primary therapy for NAFLD, there is a gap in knowledge about the condition. The presence of social support and competing medical comorbidities were the most consistent facilitators and barriers to lifestyle change. Tailoring treatment recommendations to provide relevant disease education, specific nutrition and exercise regimens, and personalised approaches based on specific individual barriers and facilitators will likely aid in uptake and maintenance of first-line therapy for NAFLD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (79) ◽  
pp. 5589-5593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rina Mohanty ◽  
Samarendra Nath Das ◽  
Aujjwalya Kumar Jena ◽  
Sarita Behera ◽  
Nirmal Chandra Sahu ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Mohammad Kazemifar ◽  
Ali Akbar Shafikhani ◽  
Elaheh HajiNoormohammadi ◽  
Zahra Azarion ◽  
Aliakbar Hajiaghamohammadi

Abstract Background and objective The correlation between the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a controversial one. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori treatment on liver function tests and lipid profiles and to compare its effects with exercise therapy and diet alone. Method This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. One hundred patients with NAFLD having a positive test for urea breath testing were randomly assigned into one of the intervention and comparison groups. The diet and physical activity program were given to two groups of patients for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. In addition to the above therapy, the patients in the intervention group also received HP treatment for 2weeks. The data corresponding to anthropometric and clinical features before and after the intervention were collected in both groups and compared using appropriate statistical methods. Results After the treatment interventions, the variables of weight, BMI, blood glucose, triglyceride, AST, ALT, total cholesterol, and LDL-C were significantly decreased in both groups (p < .05). In the between-group comparisons, only ALT was significantly lower in the intervention group (HP) (p < .05). Conclusion Findings of this study showed that the eradication of Helicobacter pylori could significantly improve the ALT index, but it had no additional effect on changes in metabolic indicators. Trial registration Registration number: IRCT2015042020951N2 Name of trial registry: The study of treatment of Helicobacter pylori in improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease The date of registration: 2015-05-12 Where the full trial protocol can be accessed: https://fa.irct.ir/trial/18489


2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Major ◽  
Michał Pędziwiatr ◽  
Mateusz Rubinkiewicz ◽  
Maciej Stanek ◽  
Anna Głuszewska ◽  
...  

Introduction; p to 300 million people have the body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. Obesity is the cause of many serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Bariatric surgery is the only effective method of achieving weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients operated on due to morbid obesity. Material and Methods: We included 20 patients who were qualified for bariatric procedures based on BMI > 40 kg/ m2 or BMI > 35kg/m2 with the presence of comorbidities. The average body weight in the group was 143.85kg, with an average BMI of 49.16kg/m2. Before the procedure, we evaluated the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in each patient using the Sheriff-Saadeh ultrasound scale. We also evaluated the levels of liver enzymes. Follow-up evaluation was performed twelve months after surgery. Results: Twelve months after surgery, the average weight was 102.34 kg. The mean %WL was 33.01%, %EWL was 58.8%, and %EBMIL was 61.37%. All patients showed remission of fatty liver disease. Liver damage, evaluated with ultrasound imaging, decreased from an average of 1.85 on the Sheriff-Saadeh scale, before surgery, to 0.15 twelve months after surgery (p < 0.001). As regards liver enzymes, the level of alanine aminotransferase decreased from 64.5 (U/l) to 27.95 (U/l) (p < 0.001), and the level of aspartate aminotransferase decreased from 54.4 (U/l) to 27.2 (U/l). Conclusions: Bariatric procedures not only lead to a significant and lasting weight loss, but they also contribute to the reduction of fatty liver disease and improve liver function.


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