Development and validation of an online dynamic nomogram based on the atherogenic index of plasma to screen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver disease worldwide, can be reversed early in life with lifestyle and medical interventions. This study aimed to develop a noninvasive tool to screen NAFLD accurately. METHODS: Risk factors for NAFLD were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and an online NAFLD screening nomogram was developed. The nomogram was compared with reported models (fatty liver index (FLI), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and hepatic steatosis index (HSI)). Nomogram performance was evaluated through internal and external validation (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database). RESULTS: The nomogram was developed based on six variables. The diagnostic performance of the present nomogram for NAFLD (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.863, 0.864, and 0.833, respectively) was superior to that of the HSI (AUROC: 0.835, 0.833, and 0.810, respectively) and AIP (AUROC: 0.782, 0.773, and 0.728, respectively) in the training, validation, and NHANES sets. Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve analysis presented good clinical utility. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a new online dynamic nomogram with excellent diagnostic and clinical performance. It has the potential to be a noninvasive and convenient method for screening individuals at high risk for NAFLD. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-023-01808-0.