Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adult Individuals with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Background: There are no published studies on the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of NAFLD (assessed via liver ultrasonography) in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study including adult patients affected by moderate-to-severe AD, moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, or a previous diagnosis of thin melanoma in situ (considered as the control group) who attended the Verona University Hospital between January 2022 and April 2023. Fatty liver was assessed via liver ultrasonography. Results: A total of 144 adults with AD, 466 with chronic plaque psoriasis, and 99 with thin melanoma were included. The prevalence rates of ultrasound-detected NAFLD among patients with in situ melanoma, those with moderate-to-severe AD, and those with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were 23.2% (23 out of 99), 24.1% (36 out of 144), and 49.8% (228 out of 466), respectively (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being of male sex, a higher age, a higher body mass index, and psoriasis were independently associated with NAFLD, whereas AD was not. Conclusions: Our findings show that the prevalence of ultrasound-detected NAFLD in patients with moderate-to-severe AD was comparable to that of patients with a previous diagnosis of in situ melanoma. It is plausible to hypothesize that the Th2-type inflammation typically characterizing AD is not a risk factor for NAFLD. Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, but not those with AD, should be screened for NAFLD and other metabolic comorbidities.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), and found that the prevalence of NAFLD in AD patients was comparable to that in patients with a previous diagnosis of in situ melanoma. The results suggest that the Th2-type inflammation characteristic of AD is not a risk factor for NAFLD. Therefore, it is recommended to screen patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, but not those with AD, for NAFLD and other metabolic comorbidities.