A study of serum lipid profile in chronic liver diseases

Background: Liver is the main site for the metabolism of lipoproteins, fatty acids and cholesterol. Liver diseases can affect plasma lipid levels in a variety of ways. Chronic liver diseases due to various causes are often associated with dramatic reductions in plasma triglyceride and cholesterol level due to reduced lipoprotein biosynthetic capacity. The study was conducted to determine the lipid profiles in patients with chronic liver disease and to determine if it correlates with the severity of the chronic liver disease. Materials and Methods: In an analytical cross-sectional study, 100 patients with chronic liver disease (case) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy patients (controls) were studied. Serum triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL were then measured. Child-Turcotte-Pugh Score were calculated for each patient as an index for the extent of liver damage. Results: In patients with chronic liver diseases, with the exception of triglyceride level, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL,VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels compared to the control group( p<0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between severity of cirrhosis and change in serum lipid levels. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia exists in patients with liver cirrhosis and screening for the same is important for intervention with appropriate therapy to prevent cardiovascular events.