Predictivity of fatty liver index for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in lean females with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Fatty liver index (FLI) is a simple tool used to predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The role of FLI in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for the prediction of NAFLD has not been elucidated. METHODS: This case-control study was from January 2014 to January 2016. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical testing, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed in 83 premenopausal otherwise healthy women with PCOS and 58 controls. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound. The predictivity of FLI for NAFLD in lean and overweight/obese females with PCOS was analyzed. RESULTS: The γ-glutamyl transferase levels were significantly higher in the females with PCOS than in the controls (p = 0.001). In women with PCOS, FLI was significantly higher in females with NAFLD comparing to those without NAFLD (47.1 ± 33.6 vs. 16.9 ± 21.6; p = 0.001). For the PCOS group, Body Mass Index had the strongest relationship with FLI (p < 0.05, r = 0.908). FLI < 30 was calculated for all the lean females. The lean females with PCOS had a significantly higher rate of NAFLD (27.5% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.041) than lean controls. CONCLUSION: An FLI < 30 was not sufficient to rule out NAFLD in the lean PCOS patients.