Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
Abstract
Background and Significance
The obesity epidemic is a growing public health concern. In addition to the already known complications and comorbidities associated with obesity, data suggest that obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of liver disease. 1,2 However, there is a paucity of data regarding the clinical correlation of obesity and cirrhosis in a predominantly Hispanic population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of cirrhosis stratified by BMI in a predominately Hispanic population.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective single-centered study was approved by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley institutional ethics and review board. Since this is a retrospective study, informed consent was waived. We retrospectively reviewed patient electronic medical records admitted to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas with cirrhosis between October 2015 to November 2020 age > 18. In-hospital admission variables were collected through review of electronic medical records. These variables include basic demographic information, vital signs, social history, past medical history, and laboratory values. Additional data collected during hospital stay were also collected, such as abdominal imaging exams (e.g., ultrasound, CT of liver) and pathology results of liver biopsies.
Results
[pending]
Discussion
The main objective of the current study is to identify the prevalence of cirrhosis stratified by BMI in a predominately Hispanic population. Study by Jiao and colleagues observed a 4-fold higher prevalence of cirrhosis in Hispanics versus the general US population in South Texas. 11 Therefore, these researchers also expect an increase in prevalence of cirrhosis in Hispanics compared to the US population. Previous studies have found an association between cirrhosis and body mass index, there is a lack in data in a predominantly Hispanic population.8,13
Recommended Citation
Perlick, Alexa; Thompson, Abaigeal; Wayne, Colton; Campo Maldonado, Jose; and Rendon, Angel, "A Comparison of the Prevalence of Cirrhosis in a Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Population Based on Body Mass Index" (2021). MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years. 15.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/som9331/15
Academic Level
medical student
Mentor/PI Department
Internal Medicine