Prevalence of elevated hepatic transaminases<b> </b>among Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Main Authors: Judi Layla, Toukan Ala, Khader Yousef, Ajlouni Kamel, Khatib M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre 2010-01-01
• Series: Annals of Saudi Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.saudiannals.net/article.asp?issn=0256-4947;year=2010;volume=30;issue=1;spage=25;epage=32;aulast=Judi

<b>Background and Objectives</b> : Since the extent of elevation of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics in Jordan and most of the Middle East is unknown, we estimated the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among patients with type 2 diabetes and determined associated risk factors. <b> Methods</b> : This study was performed on 1014 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients who attended the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. The patients&#x2032; age ranged between 26-85 years with a mean age of 56.8 (&#x002B;9.8). Three- hundred and fifty three (54.5&#x0025;) were males with a median age of 58 years (ranging between 26-82 years), and four hundred and sixty one (45.5&#x0025;) were females with a median age of 57 years (ranging between 28-85 years). Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and hepatic transaminase levels were recorded. Ultraonography was performed in those with elevated alanine transaminase levels. <b> Results</b> : Overall, the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) level was 10.4&#x0025; (n=105) with the gender-wise prevalence being 12.8&#x0025; (n=71) in men and 7.4&#x0025; (n=34) in women. The prevalence of elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels was 5.4&#x0025; (n=56) with the gender-wise prevalence being 5.6&#x0025; (n=31) in men and 5.4&#x0025; (n=25) in women.. Only 4.5&#x0025; (n=44) showed elevated levels of both ALT and AST. Male gender (OR=2.35, CI:1.5-3.8) and high waist circumference (OR=1.9, CI:1.2-3.2) were associated with increased risk of elevated ALT levels. Younger patients had a higher tendency to have elevated ALT compared to those over 65 years (OR=12.4 for patients aged 25-45years, and OR=5.8 for those who were 45-65 years old). Non-insulin use was associated with a high odds ratio for elevated ALT levels (OR=1.7, CI: 1.1-2.9). <b>Conclusions</b> : Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 10.4&#x0025; and 5.4&#x0025; of our type 2 diabetic patients respectively. Male gender, younger age, higher waist circumference; as an indicator of central obesity, as well as non insulin use are independent predictors of elevated liver transaminase levels.