Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Increases Cardiovascular Risk in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population. Both conditions seem more frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to assess the effect of NAFLD and liver fibrosis on intermediate-high cardiovascular risk in IBD. Methods We prospectively included IBD patients undergoing a routine screening program for NAFLD by transient elastography (TE) with associated controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were defined as CAP >= 275 dB m(-1) and liver stiffness measurement by TE >= 8 kPa, respectively. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator and categorized as low if <5%, borderline if 5%-7.4%, intermediate if 7.5%-19.9%, and high if >= 20% or if previous cardiovascular event. Predictors of intermediate-high cardiovascular risk were investigated by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Of 405 patients with IBD included, 278 (68.6%), 23 (5.7%), 47 (11.6%), and 57 (14.1%) were categorized as at low, borderline, intermediate, and high ASCVD risk, respectively. NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were found in 129 (31.9%) and 35 (8.6%) patients, respectively. After adjusting for disease activity, significant liver fibrosis and body mass index, predictors of intermediate-high ASCVD risk were NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.97, 95% CI, 1.56-5.68), IBD duration (aOR 1.55 per 10 years, 95% CI, 1.22-1.97), and ulcerative colitis (aOR 2.32, 95% CI, 1.35-3.98). Conclusions Assessment of cardiovascular risk should be targeted in IBD patients with NAFLD, particularly if they have longer IBD duration and ulcerative colitis. Lay Summary Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease and both conditions are more frequent in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. This study found an association of NAFLD with cardiovascular risk, particularly if patients have longer IBD duration and ulcerative colitis.