Prevalence of Elevated Serum Aminotransferases Among Asymptomatic Population of Tamil Nadu, India
Chezhian Annasamy1, Krishnasamy Narayanasamy2 and Rajendran Karthick31Department of Hepatology, Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu, India.
2Department of Hepatology, Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu, India.
3Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author E-mail: drkns1963@yahoo.com
Abstract: Studies carried out across several countries have shown that serum aminotransferases levels vary with various clinical and demographic factors such as age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI) etc. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of elevated serum aminotransferases among asymptomatic individuals in the population in Tamil Nadu, the southern region of India and also to identify the associated risk factors for the same. A total of 10765 individuals were included in this population-based study. Subjects were requested to report on an empty stomach in the morning and blood samples were collected. Those subjects who did not report were visited in their homes and blood collected. Subject’s demographic, clinical and laboratory data such as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, HDL cholesterol were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to calculate odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Among the 10765 participants, 18.0% (1938) had elevated aminotransferase. High proportion of elevated aminotransferase was seen in males (20.2%) compared to females (15.7%) (p < 0.0001). Univariate analysis showed a significant association of hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, age and BMI with elevated aminotransferase in both genders. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia and BMI may be independently associated with elevated aminotransferase in both genders.This study revealed that 18% of the asymptomatic individuals in Tamil Nadu, South India had laboratory findings suggestive of possible liver damage. Middle aged and obese individuals having hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia should be screened for elevated aminotransferase and clinically evaluated further for potential liver damage.
Keywords: Asymptomatic; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); Hypertriglyceridemia; Hyperglycemia; BMI; body mass index; CLD; chronic liver diseases; HDL; high density lipoprotein; NAFLD; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Back to TOC