Prognostic Significance of Fatty Liver Disease in Bariatric Patients

Prognostic Significance of Fatty Liver Disease in Bariatric Patients

Prospective non-randomized intervention case control study on patients with a BMI > 35. The intervention group/cases (n=600) is comprised of bariatric patients who undergo bariatric surgery and the control group (n=600) of age, weight and comorbidity matched patients who choose not to undergo bariatric surgery. The overall aim is to examine prevalence of the spectrum of fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in these patients and the prognostic significance of NAFLD.

Inclusion Criteria case group:

• Age > 18 years
• BMI >35 kg/m2 and referred for bariatric surgery at Hospital of South West Jutland, Denmark
• Able to give written informed consent.

Inclusion criteria control group:

• Age > 18 years
• BMI >35 kg/m2 with no wish to undergo bariatric surgery.
• Able to give written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active viral hepatitis
• Not willing or able to consent
• Contraindications to liver biopsy