Association of sarcopenia with liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disorder over the last four decades, more evidence shows a high prevalence of sarcopenia in NAFLD that may influence disease severity. This meta-analysis aims to determine the association of sarcopenia with liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis in NAFLD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct the literature search using Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science databases, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (from the date of inception to 1 May 2022). There will be no restriction to the publication year. Two reviewers will independently screen the articles and abstract key study characteristics. The outcome of this meta-analysis is the strength of association of sarcopenia with liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis in NAFLD. The STATA (V.14, StataCorp, 2015) will be used to carry out the statistical analysis. Comprehensive evaluation of bias risk and heterogeneity will be performed before data synthesis. Also, consistency and evidence quality will be assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: There will be no need of ethics approval as this systematic review is summary and analysis of existing literature. Final results may be presented in international conferences or a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022322685.