Correlation of Steatosis Degree With Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Fatty Liver Disease Associated Metabolic Dysfunction (MAFLD)
Jonny Wafom,
Fardah Akil,
Muh. Ilyas,
Syakib Bakri,
Agus Sudarso,
Arifin Seweng
Background: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health issue,
frequently linked with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including obesity, insulin resistance,
and hypertension. Hepatic steatosis, or fat accumulation in the liver, is a hallmark of MAFLD.
Understanding the relationship between the severity of steatosis and metabolic syndrome components is
crucial for risk stratification and treatment planning.
Objective: To evaluate the correlation between hepatic steatosis severity and the presence of metabolic
syndrome and its individual components in patients diagnosed with MAFLD.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo General
Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, from 2024 to 2025. A total of 126 adult patients with confirmed MAFLD
were recruited via consecutive sampling. Clinical and metabolic data were collected, including BMI,
waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and HbA1c. Hepatic steatosis
was graded (1–3) based on imaging findings. Statistical analysis employed the Chi-square test with
significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Obesity (82.5%) and elevated waist circumference (93.7%) were highly prevalent, with 75.4%
of subjects meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome. Grade 1 steatosis was most common (79.4%),
followed by grades 2 (13.5%) and 3 (7.1%). Significant associations were found between steatosis
severity and BMI (p = 0.031), hypertension (p = 0.011), and metabolic syndrome (p = 0.021).
Conclusion: The severity of hepatic steatosis is significantly associated with obesity, hypertension,
and metabolic syndrome in MAFLD patients. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive
metabolic risk management in this population.
