Abstract:
Background: Vitamin E has been shown to slow down progression or cause regression of fibrosis stage among NAFLD patients. Transient Elastography (FibroScan) is a non-invasive tool that has been used to determine the stage of fibrosis based on Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) among NAFLD patients and may be used for treatment monitoring. This study aims to determine the effects of vitamin E taken once a day on the LSM.
Methods: NAFLD patients diagnosed by ultrasound who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) measured by FibroScan at baseline and at the end of 3 months. A change in the LSM was the primary objective. Chi-Square analysis was used to measure the change of LSM pre and post-treatment. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Patients were assigned to either the Life style Modification Advice Group (LMAG)–with nutritional counselling and advise to exercise–or the Treatment Group (Vitamin E as Mixed Tocotrienol 100 mg daily for 3 months plus lifestyle modification advise).
Results: Fifty-seven percent (38/67) of patients enrolled in both arms of the study improved – with a decrease in their LSM measurements – but 43% (29 of 67 (43%) did not.
Of those who improved, 79% (30/38) were from the Treatment Group (Vitamin E) and 21% (8/38) were from the LMAG.
Twenty-nine (29) patients did not improve: 79% (23/29) from LMAG and only 6/29 (21%) from the Treatment Group. Chi-square analysis showed that treatment with Vitamin E had a significant effect (p≤0.05) on the improvement of LSM.
Conclusion: Vitamin E (mixed Tocotrienol) 100 mg daily for 3 months could decrease the LSM among NAFLD patients.
