Assessment of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as Predictor of NASH in Obese Patients

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has a histological spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis. This study aimed to study relationship of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with NASH in obese patients. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included100 obese cases with diffuse fatty infiltration on ultrasound. Patients were categorized by fibroscan into two groups: Group 1 (NASH) (n=46): cases with both significant steatosis and fibrosis (CAP ≥ 248 dB/m and LSM ≥ 7.9 kPa). Group 2 (Non-NASH) (n=54): Patients with CAP < 248 dB/m and LSM < 7.9 kPa. Results: NLR presented a significantly positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) (r 0.205, P value 0.040), alanine transaminase (ALT) (r 0.532, P value