Endocrine Abstracts

Background

Over the last years obesity has become an important medical and social problem in almost all countries of the world. The social significance of the problem is determined by the disability threat of patients and reduction of overall life expectancy due to the frequent comorbidities development. According to scientific data and modern ideas, there are a number of factors that affect not only the course of toxic hepatitis, but also the therapy effectiveness. The bulk is due to obesity.

Objectives

Examination of patients with toxic hepatitis for obesity detection as one of the hepatic fibrogenesis triggers.

Methods

To achieve this goal, 24 patients with toxic liver disease were examined. The body mass index (BMI, Kettle index) was calculated using anthropometric indicators. Due to the formula BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. For all our patient which are 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories (classification of BMI adopted by the WHO (1997). The value of BMI in the range of 18.5–24.9 kg/m² should be considered optimal – normal or healthy weight; reduced BMI or underweight ≥ 18.5; overweight – 25.0–29.9; obesity I degree – 30.0–34.9; obesity II degree – 35.0–39.9; grade III obesity – ≥ 40 (kg/m²).

Results

The examination revealed that the following changes were observed in BMI: 42% of patients were with normal weight, 21% were overweight, obesity I degree was detected in 25% of patients and 13% of patients were with obesity II degree.

Conclusions

Obesity of varying degrees was found in 58% of patients with toxic hepatitis. These data should be taken into account when choosing and prescribing adequate treatment. Last, but not least, nutrition should always be considered. Given that obesity can be a trigger of hepatic fibrogenesis in patients with toxic hepatitis this issue requires further research to identify the possible impact of concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the course of toxic hepatitis.