Table 3 Histological characteristics of NAFLD- and AFLD group at index biopsy

Steatosis

1 (5-33%)

77 (51)

37 (39)

NS

2 + 3 (≥33%)

74 (49)

57 (61)

NS

Lobular inflammation

0 + 1 (no foci or <2 foci/200x)

99 (66)

43 (46)

0.003

2 + 3 (2–4 foci or >4 foci/200x)

52 (34)

51 (54)

0.003

Ballooning

0 + 1 (none or few balloon cells)

139 (92)

90 (96)

NS

2 (many cells)

12 (8)

4 (4)

NS

Fibrosis

0 + 1 + 1A + 1B + 1C (none to mild fibrosis)

120 (79)

61 (65)

0.02

2 + 3 + 4 (moderate to severe)

31 (21)

33 (35)

0.02

NAS score

<3

68 (45)

22 (23)

0.001

3-4

47 (31)

35 (37)

NS

≥5

31 (21)

35 (37)

0.007