Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease in Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered an important global and public disease affecting millions of people worldwide. In contrast, the concept of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still evolving from being a common consequence of different diseases into a spectrum of serious complications affecting multiple body organs. A surge of hypotheses and studies suggesting a possible link between NAFLD and CKD are currently emerging as an interesting area in the research field. Both CKD and NAFLD are considered serious disorders leading to many complications and leading to high economic burdens across the globe. Aim of the Work: This study aimed at assessing the association between CKD and NAFLD in Egyptian patients. Results: Our study reported a highly significant statistical difference among NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups as regard CKD stages, although a non-significant difference was reported between study groups as regard estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Also, a statistically significant difference was shown between both groups as regard obesity and hypertension, in addition to a highly significant difference as regard metabolic syndrome (MetS). In contrast, there was a non-significant statistical difference between both groups as regard the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). Conclusion: NAFLD, together with different co-morbid conditions, is associated with the possibility of development of CKD. We recommend careful assessment of NAFLD patients, especially those with co-existing comorbidities, for the development of CKD. Future studies should focus on the possible risk factors, etiological mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for both NAFLD and CKD in a co-morbid situation.