Association between history of abortion and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women

PurposeTo evaluate the possible relationship between self-reported history of abortion and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in 5911 women aged 40 years or older in Jiading District, Shanghai, China. Reproductive histories, including miscarriage and induced abortion, were collected using a validated questionnaire by trained physicians. Abdominal B-mode ultrasound evaluation and serum liver enzymes levels were used in the diagnosis of NAFLD.ResultsThe percentage reporting history of abortion in women with NAFLD was higher than in those without NAFLD (72.4% vs. 69.3%, age-adjusted P = .001). Compared with women without a history of abortion, the fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) for NAFLD in those with a history of abortion was increased by 28% (OR, 1.28 and 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.55). Histories of miscarriage and induced abortion were also associated with increased risk of prevalent NAFLD in fully adjusted models (OR, 1.84 and 95% CI, 1.24–2.72; OR, 1.23 and 95% CI, 1.02–1.50, respectively).ConclusionsBoth miscarriage and induced abortion are associated with prevalent NAFLD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women.