Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2023 Nov;26(6):312-319. 10.5223/pghn.2023.26.6.312.

Significance of Triglyceride-to-HighDensity Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2548040
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2023.26.6.312

Abstract

Purpose
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the significance of markers such as the triglyceride-to-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and TG-glucose (TyG) indices in a group of patients with NAFLD.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients aged 5–18 years diagnosed with NAFLD between January 2014 and January 2021.
Results
Among the 151 patients with NAFLD, 79.5% were found to be obese, and the mean TG/HDL-C ratio (3.78±2.54 vs. 3.13±2.24) and TyG index (4.69±0.28 vs. 4.56±0.30) were slightly higher in patients with obesity compared to those without obesity. Patients with severe hepatic steatosis had a significantly higher mean TG/HDL-C ratio (4.11±2.16 vs. 3.11±2.30, p=0.035) than those with mild to moderate steatosis. Severe hepatic steatosis grade was defined as an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the TG/HDL-C ratio of 0.760 (95% confidence interval, 0.544–0.875), with an optimal cutoff value of 3.37.
Conclusion
A high TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with severe hepatic steatosis and diabetes mellitus in children with NAFLD. Measurement of this ratio can help clinicians in identifying patients and targeting them for treatment and follow-up.

Keyword

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Pediatrics; Triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio; Triglyceride-glucose index; Marker