Abnormal lipid profile in the context of liver steatosis measured by transient elastography: experiences from an outpatient endocrine clinic.

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidaemia is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular diseases which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. There is a knowledge gap whether the prevalence/pattern of dyslipidaemia depends on the aetiology of the liver disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between dyslipidaemia and chronic liver diseases.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included adults aged ≥ 18 years, who attended outpatient Endocrine clinic between January 2023 and April 2025. Patients who underwent both transient elastography and lipid profile measurement were included in the analysis. Data on participants’ demographics, history of glucose intolerance, statin treatment, liver function tests, and non-invasive liver fibrosis markers were recorded. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed to study the associations.

RESULTS

The study included 329 participants (aged 47 ± 14 years, 53.8% males), of whom 68.4% had steatotic liver disease (SLD) and 23.1% had viral hepatitis. Dyslipidaemia was associated with higher mean of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (297.4 ± 49.8 vs. 267.2 ± 56.9, P = 0.002) and higher prevalence of liver steatosis (91.7% vs. 72.1%, P < 0.001). 90.9% of participants with dyslipidaemia had SLD, whereas only 72.1% of those with optimal lipid profile had SLD (P < 0.001). In the univariable (bivariate) analysis, CAP was significantly associated with dyslipidaemia (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.01–1.02, P < 0.001). The final multivariable logistic regression retained CAP as the predictor of dyslipidaemia (aOR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.01–1.04, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that dyslipidaemia is common among individuals with steatotic liver disease and is associated with hepatic steatosis quantified by CAP, rather than fibrosis. These findings highlight the importance of accessible, non-invasive diagnostic approaches in strengthening preventive and management approaches in routine clinical settings.