Assessment of Fatty Liver Diseases Based on Serum Ck- 18 Fragment, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Aspartate Aminotransfease /Alanine Aminotransferase Ratio

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious clinical problem because of its worldwide distribution and potential adverse sequel. The global prevalence of NAFLD is increasing gradually. NAFLD can be estimated by both invasive and non-invasive methods. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of serum cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransfease (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR) in the assessment of different types of NAFLD patients especially NASH. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Clinical Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Forty patients who fulfilled the criteria of NAFLD were enrolled in this study. Serum CK-18 fragment level was measured by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransfease (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR) reports were collected from patient's file. Biopsy material was sent to the Department of Pathology, BSMMU for complete histopathological examination. Results: Positive and significant co-relation was found between serum CK-18 fragment with NAS whereas positive but not significant correlation was seen between serum GGT and NAS and negative and not significant correlation was found between serum (AAR) and NAS. Conclusion: Serum CK-18 fragment level may be used for assessing NASH in NAFLD patients