ASSOCIATION OF SERUM URIC ACID WITH METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL/ URIC ACID AND MASLD

Uric acid and MASLD

Abstract

Background: Elevated uric acid, an end product of purine metabolism is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its progression. It has been linked with diabetes, hypertension, CKD, gout, cardiovascular diseases and dyslipidemias^.

Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease is on rise, due to changing dietary and socioeconomic patterns and has become global health issue. Elevated uric acid impacts frequency and severity of fatty liver Our objective is to explore the association of serum uric acid with metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pakistan Railway Hospital in Medical and Radiology department from 1^st Jan to 30^th June, 2025. We enrolled 200 patients with MASLD, diagnosed on ultrasound with fatty liver graded to mild, moderate and severe categories. Demographic details, physical examination findings, comorbidities and relevant laboratory findings were entered on structured proforma.

Results: In this study majority were female (63%) and mean age of patients was 48+19 years. About 47.5% had mild fatty liver, 34% and 28.5% had moderate and severe fatty liver respectively. Elevated uric acid levels were seen in 75% patients with highest levels were observed in patients with severe fatty liver (7.62 vs. 5.89 vs. 4.75 P<0.001). Serum uric acid showed strong correlation with fatty liver index FLI (r=0.493, P<0.001) and moderate correlation with FIB-4 score (r=0.261, P <0.001). Life style factors like processed diet, lack of exercise, poor periodontal health are significant contributor to hyperuricemia.

Conclusion: Hyperuricemia has significant prevalence among patients with MASLD and demonstrated association with steatosis and fibrosis in liver.