Fatty Liver Index

Liver is the second largest organ in the body and plays several important roles such as digestion, controlling blood sugar levels, removal of toxins from the body, regulation of cholesterol, controls blood clotting and immunity. It can get damaged due to infection, autoimmune conditions or unhealthy lifestyle - sedentary lifestyle, alcohol/smoking and high salt intake. People with obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol are more likely to have fatty liver.

Fatty liver disease is a common condition caused by the storage of extra fat in the liver. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common chronic liver disease in the absence of excessive alcohol use and any other obvious factors for damage. NAFLD is also associated with hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.

Fatty liver may not show any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include abdominal pain and swelling, enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface, enlarged spleen, red palms and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Fatty Liver Index (FLI) is an algorithm based on GGT (gamma-glutamyl-transferase), triglycerides (TG), weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference for the prediction of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

It is a surrogate marker of hepatic steatosis (accumulation of fat in liver >5% per liver weight).

NAFLD has a varied spectrum. The liver may progress to various stages such as fatty liver, fibrosis, cirrhosis, cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and may lead to death in early adulthood. Hence, prediction of fatty liver may help in better clinical management. It is an appropriate tool for early intervention of metabolic disturbances. This can help in patient selection for ultrasound or liver biopsy.

Who should get tested for Fatty Liver Index in Kollam?

Patients who are overweight, diabetic, having elevated liver enzymes or in whom fatty liver is suspected should get tested.

Reference Range and Requirement for Fatty Liver Index

Reference range:

Fatty Liver Index:

< 30 - Fatty liver disease ruled out

30 - 59 - Intermediate

> 60 - Fatty Liver disease

Requirement:

You are required to fast (not eat or drink anything) 8-12 hours before the test.

Interpretation:

Cut off of FLI < 30 rules out presence of Fatty Liver Disease. FLI index between 30 to < 59 suggest intermediate risk i.e. hepatic manifestation of metabolic disturbance. FLI index > 60 confirms presence of NAFLD.