Epidemiological features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the North-West region of Russia (Results of an open multicenter prospective study DIREG 2)

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as an important problem that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. It may be the most prevalent liver disease. However,knowledge of the epidemiology is limited. These findings encourage to conduct a larger sample size study to evaluate the real prevalence of NAFLD in the Russian population. It is important to know current prevalence of NAFLD. DIREG 2 study was performed under umbrella of leading Russian professional societies in partnership with Sanofi Russia. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD within the general practitioner’s and gastroenterologist’s patient flow. It is important to know current prevalence of NAFLD in North-West region and to compare with DIREG 2 results. Materials and methods. Epidemiologic, observational, multicenter study assessing the prevalence of NAFLD among patients outpatient practice. A total of 50 145 patients (3769 in North-West region) including those suspected of having NAFLD criteria were enrolled in the Program. The investigators were qualified doctors (GPs \ therapist’s \ gastroenterologists), providing outpatient care for the population. The epidemiological data were obtained, recorded during two routine patient visits to investigating centers. Study results. Percentage of patients with revealed NAFLD within the patient flow primary or consistently coming to selected doctors for any reason including those suspected of having NAFLD was 37,3 % in Russia vs 49,1 % in North West Region. Conclusion. Prevalence of NAFLD among patient flow of doctors in Russia is quite high. It has been revealed a high prevalence of NANCFLD within the patient flow primary or consistently coming to selected by doctors for any reason. Refs 55. Figs 4. Table 1.