Factors associated with obtaining lower IQR-CAP values in the detection of hepatic steatosis by transient elastography.

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) has been developed as a non-invasive method for detecting liver steatosis. The aim of the study was to determine factors associated with non-obtaining lower IQR-CAP values.

Materials and methods: Retrospective revision of medical records of CAP studies for steatosis screening. Anthropometrical, biochemical, and quality variables were collected. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent associations with non-obtaining IQR-CAP <30, <20, and <10 in all patients and then adjusted for obesity/overweight and severity of steatosis.

Results: 5061 studies were analyzed. Median IQR-CAP was 26 [IQR 20-33] dB/m. Steatosis prevalence was 39.4 % (n = 1996). In overweight patients, significant alcohol consumption was an independent factor for non-obtaining IQR-CAP <30; meanwhile, in obese patients glucose impairment, AST, skPa>8 and steatosis severity were independent factors for non-obtaining lower IQR-CAP values. According to steatosis severity, the presence of anthropometric characteristics of obesity and significant alcohol consumption were independent factors for non-obtaining lower IQR-CAP values.

Conclusions: In steatosis detection by CAP, obesity, significant alcohol consumption, glucose impairments, and minimal liver function test alterations were independent factors associated with non-obtaining lower values of IQR-CAP.