Ethnic and Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Among Bariatric Surgery Patients
Sarah E. Messiah, Denise C. Vidot, Joao B. Bispo, Kristopher L. Arheart, Zhamak Khorgami, Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz
- Fatty liver disease and its more serious form, NASH, is one of the most common health problems found in patients with severe obesity. This study examined how common NASH is among bariatric surgery patients and whether rates differ by ethnicity or gender.
- The study found significant differences in NASH prevalence across ethnic and gender groups, helping surgeons identify which patients need closer liver monitoring.
- Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for fatty liver disease, reversing inflammation in up to 85% of patients and even improving liver scarring.
- Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms until it has progressed, which is why many patients don't know they have it until surgery reveals it.
- Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz is the senior author, reflecting his comprehensive approach evaluating liver disease alongside obesity and diabetes in his diverse Miami patient population.
- For patients concerned about fatty liver disease, this study shows bariatric surgery can address it effectively.
This study published in Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care examined ethnic and gender differences in the prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. NASH is the more severe, inflammatory form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if untreated. The study analyzed intraoperative liver biopsy findings from a multiethnic bariatric surgery cohort, revealing significant differences in NASH prevalence across ethnic and gender groups with implications for preoperative risk stratification and surveillance strategies. Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz is the senior and corresponding author.
Messiah SE, Vidot DC, Bispo JB, Arheart KL, Khorgami Z, de la Cruz-Muñoz N. Ethnic and Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Among Bariatric Surgery Patients. Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care. 2016;11(4):153-157.
