Correlation of steatosis degree with metabolic syndrome in patients with fatty liver disease-associated metabolic dysfunction (MAFLD)

Jonny Wafom; Fardah Akil; Muhammad Ilyas; Syakib Bakri; Agus Sudarso; Arifin Seweng

Jonny Wafom Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia
Fardah Akil Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia
Muhammad Ilyas Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia
Syakib Bakri Departemen of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia
Agus Sudarso Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia
Arifin Seweng Departemen of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makasar, Indonesia

Keywords: fatty liver disease, steatosis, metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic-associated fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern. Hepatic steatosis is frequently associated with metabolic syndrome, which consists of obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Understanding the correlation between the stages of hepatic steatosis and metabolic syndrome is essential for risk stratification and therapeutic planning. To investigate the correlation between the stages of hepatic steatosis and the presence of metabolic syndrome in MAFLD patients. This study is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, from 2024 to 2025. A total of 126 patients with MAFLD were selected. Metabolic parameters data were collected, including BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and the presence of metabolic syndrome. Hepatic steatosis stages were assessed via imaging and classified into grades 1 to 3. Statistical associations were evaluated using the Chi-square test with significance at p<0.05. Most of the patients were obese (82.5%), had elevated waist circumference (93.7%), and fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome (75.4%). Grade 1 steatosis was most prevalent (79.4%), followed by grades 2 (13.5%) and 3 (7.1%). A statistically significant association was observed between the severity of hepatic steatosis and BMI (p=0.031), hypertension (p=0.011), and metabolic syndrome (p=0.021). No significant associations were found with waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL, fasting blood glucose, diabetes status, or HbA1c. Severe hepatic steatosis is strongly correlated with obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome in MAFLD patients. These results emphasize the essential role of systemic metabolic dysfunction in developing hepatic steatosis and stress the importance of meticulous management of metabolic risk factors in treating MAFLD.