Saroglitazar for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Single Centre Experience in 91 Patients

Background

Saroglitazar is a novel, dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-α/γ agonist and is being investigated for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Patients and methods

Consecutive overweight (body mass index [BMI] >23 kg/m2) patients of NAFLD, diagnosed based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) >248 dB/m, and attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care centre in New Delhi, were enrolled. Patients with cirrhosis (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] >13.5 kPa) and those with concomitant liver disease due to other aetiologies (alcohol, viral, etc.) were excluded. All patients received saroglitazar 4 mg/day; in addition, they were advised to reduce weight and were counselled regarding diet and exercise. At 3-month follow-up, patients were categorized into those who were able to reduce ≥5% body weight and those who could n'ot, and both these groups were compared.

Results

A total of 91 patients (median age 45 years [range 18-66 years]; 81% men) were included in the study. The median BMI was 29.3 kg/m2 (range 23.6-42.2 kg/m2). The baseline median (range) aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, LSM and CAP values were 40 IU/dL (range 22-144 IU/dL), 48 IU/dL (range 13-164 IU/dL), 42 IU/dL (range 4-171 IU/dL), 6.7 kPa (range 3.6-13.1 kPa), and 308 dB/m (range 249-400 dB/m). All patients tolerated saroglitazar well. At 3-month, 57 patients (63%) were able to reduce ≥5% weight, whereas in the remaining 34 patients (37%), the weight reduction was <5% from baseline. Transaminases values improved in both the groups; however, LSM and CAP values improved only in patients who reduced weight.

Conclusion

In overweight patients with NAFLD, a 3-month therapy with saroglitazar is able to improve transaminases but not LSM and CAP values unless accompanied by weight reduction of at least 5%. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to document the independent effect of saroglitazar in these patients.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and respiratory failure; what about the diaphragm?

Introduction

We present a case of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) with a diaphragm paralysis as the primary cause of ventilatory failure. FSHD is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder with a restricted pattern of weakness. Although respiratory weakness is a relatively unknown in FSHD, it is not uncommon.

Methods

We report on the clinical findings of a 68-year old male who presented with severe dyspnea while supine.

Results

Supplementing our clinical findings with laboratory, electrophysiological and radiological performances led to the diagnosis of diaphragm paralysis. Arterial blood gas in sitting position without supplemental oxygen showed a mild hypercapnia. His sleep improved after starting non-invasive ventilation and his daytime sleepiness disappeared.

Discussion

We conclude that in patients with FSHD who have symptoms of nocturnal hypoventilation, an adequate assessment of the diaphragm is recommended. This is of great importance as we know that nocturnal hypoventilation can be treated effectively by non-invasive ventilation.