Clinical and Biochemical Profile of Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming recognised as a significant metabolic liver condition associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular risk. It has a silent clinical presentation, and biochemical abnormalities can be variable depending on the severity of the disease.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical traits of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and determine the relationship between metabolic abnormalities and ultrasonographic severity.

Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out at Rashid Latif Khan University Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan, from January to November 2025. A total of n=120 individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by ultrasonography were included. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, anthropometric measurements, coexisting conditions, hepatic function assessments, glycaemic indicators, and lipid profiles were recorded. The extent of hepatic steatosis was evaluated using ultrasonography as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results: The mean age was 47.9 ± 11.6 years, and 55.0% were male. 43.3% of the patients were obese, 44.2 percent had diabetes mellitus, 40 percent had hypertension, and 52.5 percent had dyslipidaemia. The most common symptom was fatigue, and 35.8% were asymptomatic. 47.5% had steatosis grade I, 36.7% had steatosis grade II, and 15.8% had steatosis grade III. The severity of steatosis was significantly associated with higher BMI, WC, ALT, AST, FbS, HbA1C, and TG, and lower HDL-C.

Conclusions: There was a strong association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with metabolic dysfunction. The ultrasonographic severity was associated with progressive obesity, glycaemic control, dyslipidaemia, and hepatocellular damage. These findings provide evidence for the practice of early metabolic screening for metabolic risk factor management.