Browsing by Author "de Silva, S."

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20 year follow up and survival analysis in a cohort of patients with Haemoglobin E beta Thalassaemia.
(Sri Lanka Medical Association., 2019) Olivieri, N.F.; Premawardhena, A.P.; Amir-Arsalan, S.; Ediriweera, D.; Mettananda, S.; Bandara, W.D.; Arambepola, M.; de Silva, S.; Refai, M.A.C.M.; Allen, A.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia (EBT) is the commonest beta thalassaemia syndrome in the world and is extremely phenotypically variable. Unlike for transfusion dependent thalassaemia (TDT) there are no clear guidelines for the management of this disease. We have followed up a cohort of 109 patients with EBT for 20 years. Objective of the study was to study the 20-year survival and factors that affect survival. METHODS: Study was conducted at Kurunegala Thalassaemia centre. Transfusions were stopped in 1997 in all 109 patients. Since then they were assessed every three months by the clinical team for the next 20 years. Relevant haematological, biochemical, radiological assessments were done periodically. RESULTS: 32 (30%) of patients were dead at 20 years. Kaplan Meir survival curve identified the median survival to be 51 years. Splenectomy had been done in 73/109 (67%) patients. Splenectomy allowed 66% to be off transfusions even 9.7± 1.3 years post- surgery. However, 33% had to return to transfusions. The commonest cause of death in the cohort was infections (34.3%). Most (72%) infective deaths happened in those who were splenectomised. Transfusions needed to be restarted in 60%, of whom 33% went back to (>8 per year) regular transfusions at a mean 8.4 ±0.8 years after stopping transfusions. CONCLUSION: In this first ever long term follow up study of EBT, significantly shortened survival is observed. Though splenectomy allows prolonged transfusion free phases in many it increases risk of infective deaths. Overall the disease is far less benign than previously thought with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality.
Adverse events following first dose of ChAdOxI nCoV-19 (Covishield) among health care workers in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine, 2021) Manilgama, S.R.; Hettiarachchi, N.M.; Jayasinghe, I.K.; de Silva, S.; Jayalath, T.; Wanigaratne, T.; Bandusiri, R.P.; Suganthan, N.; Sudarshan, P.; Pathirage, M.; Rajaratnam, N.; Senaratne, G.; Rajapaksha, V.; Wickramasinghe, A.; Kulaweera, M.T.D.
Introduction: A community vaccination programme is crucial to combat COVID-19 pandemic. An independent post-vaccine surveillance is important to identify adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in the population. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of AEFI after covishield vaccination among all categories of health care workers (HCWs) after the first dose. Methods: A multicentred cross-sectional survey was conducted in six provinces. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and AEFI. Results: Of 5140, 67.8% were females. The mean (SD) age was 40.69 (±10.07) years. At least one comorbidity was reported in 15.4%, At least one AEFI was reported in 86.6% and 49.3% had local AEFI. Bodyaches(54.4%), headaches (57.3%), fever (58.4%), chills(51.2%)( fatigue(37.5%) and arthralgia (36%) were the most reported systemic AEFI. Majority lasted <24 hours. Pain and redness at the site were the most reported local AEFI. Mean duration of onset of fever and site of pain was 6.65 and 9.67 hours respectively. The population was divided into two groups according to the mean age; <40 and >40 years and, study parameters were compared. Most of the systemic (fever, nausea, fatigue, itching) and all local AEFI were significantly higher among the <40-year-old group. Reactions occurred within first 20 minutes in 2%. Anaphylaxes developed in 12 patients. History of an叩hylaxis, drug, or food allergies were reported in 0.6%, 2.8%, 6.7% respectively, they didn't show significant relation to current vaccine induced allergies or anaphylaxis. Despite having minor AEFI, 71.1% attended routine work while 0.2% were hospitalised and treated.
Anaemia due to chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional analysis from a tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2023) Lakmini, S.; Dilhani, N.; Luke, W. A. N. V.; de Silva, S.
INTRODUCTION: Anaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that adversely affects cardiovascular health and quality of life. Data on anaemia in Sri Lankan CKD patients is scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, associations, and treatment response of anaemia in a cohort of patients with CKD. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutive, consenting adult patients with stable CKD attending clinics and wards of the University Medical Unit, Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama. RESULTS: Of 149 patients with CKD (males 57.7%), 70.5% had diabetes, 83.9% had hypertension and 37.6% had ischemic heart disease. Anaemia was present in 90.6% of females and 93% of males. The severity of anaemia was significantly (p=<.05) associated with female gender, advancing CKD stage, diabetes, chronic liver cell disease, being on dialysis, and increasing degree of proteinuria. Of 91 patients investigated for the cause of anaemia, 60.4% had iron deficiency with anaemia of chronic disease, while 27.5% had anaemia of chronic disease based on the blood picture. Of 88 patients with haemoglobin <10g/dl, only 45.4% were on erythropoietin and 56.8% had received blood transfusions. 76.1% of the anaemic patients had hemoglobin below 10g/dL at follow-up despite treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Anaemia was highly prevalent in the CKD cohort with a significant number requiring transfusions. Patients continued to have anaemia despite being treated with nutritional supplements and erythropoietin.
Assessment and Management of Irrigation Impacts on Tropical Inland Fisheries: A Case Study from Sri Lanka
(2003) Khoa, S.N.; Smith, L.; Lorenzen, K.; Garaway, C.; Perera, L.R.; de Silva, S.; Kumara, M.M.C.; Amarasinghe, U.S.; Kularatne, M.G.; Bandara, H.M.S.C.
Assessment of pollution status of Crocodylus porosus and human-crocodile relationship in Bellanwila-Attidiya area
(Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, S.; Nawalage, S.K.; Kowshayini, P.; Panagoda, G.; de Silva, A.; Subanky, S.; Nuwan, D.; Weerasinghe, A.; Bellanthuduwa, A.; de Silva, S.
Autoimmune hepatitis in a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: A rare association
(Springer Nature Group, 2023) Jeyapraniya, A.; de Silva, S.
When a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis develops a concurrent liver disease, it is typically associated with hepatitis C. Here, we report the case of a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and autoimmune hepatitis. A 54-year-old previously healthy woman presented with chronic urticaria. A skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis and elevated serum cryoglobulins, leading to a diagnosis of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. She also had abnormal liver functions, high IgG levels, positive antinuclear antibodies, and anti-smooth muscle antibodies. Liver biopsy revealed interface hepatitis confirming the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. This case represents the rare occurrence of autoimmune hepatitis in a patient with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
The clinical effects of excessive a globin genes : two family studies
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) Premawardhena, A.P.; Fisher, C.A.; Rugless, M.; de Silva, S.; Perera, A.W.V.S.; Olivien, N.F.; Weatherall, D.J.
INTRODUCTION: Globin chain imbalance is the central pathogenic abnormality in the thalassaemias, a condition where globin gene expression is reduced. Conversely, the inheritance of excess globin genes too may affect the phenotype. However such examples are rarely found. OBJECTIVES: To describe two families in whom the co-existence of excess a genes was noted together with p - thalassaemia trait. METHODS: During the routine P - globin gene analysis in patients attending the Thalassaemia Unit of the Kurunegala Hospital, two patients were identified to have thalassaemia intermedia phenotype, but with just one (3 - thalassaemia mutation. The clinical details of these patients and their families were studied in detail as was their h'aematological and genetic data. RESULTS: We describe two families in which the propositus had inherited six and eight a - genes respectively together with a single p - thalassaemia mutation. Both patients had the thalassaemia intermedia phenotype. The family members who did not inherit any thalassaemic mutations too had varying, but often marked hypochromic microcytosis. DISCUSSION: We describe the first ever family study of a patient with the combination of 8 a - genes and p - thalassaemia trait. We also describe another family where a member had 6 a - genes together with p thalassaemia trait. This highlights yet another mechanism for the intermedia phenotype in patients with a solitary (3 - globin gene mutation. It also highlights the need for the study of a globin genes in patients with unexplained hypochromic microcytic anaemia.
Desidustat in anemia due to Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: A phase 3 study (DREAM-ND)
(Karger,New York, 2022) Agrawal, D.; Varade, D.; Shah, H.; Nazar, A.; Krishnan, J.; Shukla, V.; Ramakrishna, C.; Bandara, G.M.C.; Mavani, S.B.; Rajanna, S.; Jikki, P.; de Silva, S.; Ruhela, V.; Koradia, P.; Kansagra, K.; Kanani, P.; Sharma, N.; Zala, K.; Parmar, D.
Background: Desidustat, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, is being developed to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without dialysis dependency.Methods: In total, 588 patients with a clinical diagnosis of anemia due to CKD without dialysis need and with baseline hemoglobin of 7.0-10.0 g/dL (inclusive) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either desidustat 100 mg oral tablets thrice a week for 24 weeks or biosimilar darbepoetin subcutaneous injection 0.75 μg/kg once in 2 weeks for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in hemoglobin to evaluation period of Weeks 16-24. Key secondary outcomes included the number of patients with hemoglobin response, changes in the hepcidin levels, changes in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and changes in the lipid and lipoprotein profiles.Results: Hemoglobin change from baseline to Weeks 16-24 was 1.95 g/dL in the desidustat group and 1.83 g/dL in the darbepoetin group (difference: 0.11 g/dL; 95% CI: -0.12, 0.34), which met prespecified non-inferiority margin (-0.75 g/dL). The hemoglobin responders were significantly higher (p = 0.0181) in the desidustat group (196 [77.78%]) compared to the darbepoetin group (176 [68.48%]). The difference of change in hepcidin from baseline to Week 12 and Week 24 (p = 0.0032 at Week 12, p = 0.0016 at Week 24) and the difference of change in low-density lipoprotein from baseline to Week 24 (p value = 0.0269) between the two groups was statistically significant. The difference of change from baseline in VEGF to Weeks 12 and 24 between the two groups was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Desidustat is non-inferior to darbepoetin in the treatment of anemia due to non-dialysis dependent CKD and it is well-tolerated.
Disseminated tuberculosis presenting as meningitis and spondylodiscitis in an immunocompetent adult
(Medknow Publications, 2023) Arumugam, J.; de Silva, S.
Rationale: Disseminated tuberculosis involves the central nervous system in up to a third of cases. However, meningitis and spondylodiscitis due to miliary tuberculosis rarely occur together, particularly in the immuno-competent population. Patient concerns: A 37-year-old immunocompetent male presented with altered level of consciousness for one week and lower back pain with evening pyrexia for one month. Examination revealed spastic paraplegia and left hemiparesis. Diagnosis: Disseminated tuberculosis presenting with meningitis and spondylodiscitis. Interventions: Category I anti-tuberculous therapy with a tapering regimen of intravenous dexamethasone was administered. Outcomes: There was clinical improvement after nine months of treatment. Lessons: Tuberculosis may present with atypical clinical manifestations. Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging combined with histopathological features, a high index of suspicion and clinical improvement with anti-tuberculous treatment can confirm the diagnosis in the absence of microbiological evidence, especially in extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Distal Renal tubular acidosis
(Galle Medical Association., 1996) de Silva, S.; de Silva, M.A.H.S.; Gunawardena, T.P.; de Silva, D.G.H.
Ethnicity and Social Composition of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces (C. 1949-2005)
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) de Silva, S.
This paper traces the history and evolution of the armed forces in Sri Lanka from the arrival of the British 1976 to the present day. Special attention is paid to issues of ethnicity, class and religion and how these affected recruitment policies, force structure and operational deployment. The question of political influence and loyalties is also considered. The British colonial era is divided in two major periods, i.e. the pre-Volunteer era, 1796-1874, and the Volunteer era, 1881-1949, which essentially analyses the period encompassing the Ceylon Defense Force (CDF). Post-independence developments are considered in terms of the rise of Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism and the consequent decline of the British influenced and westernized elements in the ranks of the military. Three major events are analyzed: first, the ascendancy to power of a Sinhalese Buddhist nationalist government in 1956 and its impact on the military establishment; second, the 1962 abortive coup and its repercussions; and third, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) uprising in 1971. The emergence of Tamil separatism and out break of full-scale ethnic confrontation in 1983 onwards has had the most significant consequences for the structure and composition of the armed forces. This ethnic conflict culminated into three phases of internecine combat, known as the Eelam War. In the midst of these crises, another abortive JVP uprising took place for a second time, from 1987-1989. All these events were instrumental in changing the Sri Lanka armed forces to a more Sinhalese Buddhist institution of more populist stratification and social composition. These overall factors, especially the ethnic conflict are examined and their implications for society and politics in contemporary Sri Lanka considered.
Frontal lobe neuropathology presenting to Mental Health Services
(Postgraduate Institute of Medicine University of Colombo, 2020) Chandradasa, M.; de Silva, S.; Rathnayake, L.C.; Kuruppuarachchi, C.S.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.
No Abstract Available.
Genetic and metabolic aspects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenicity
(Springer, 2023) Samarasinghe, S.M.; Hewage, A.S.; Siriwardana, R.C.; Tennekoon, K.H.; Niriella, M.A.; de Silva, S.
BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease showing a risingprevalence globally. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in the development and progression of the disease pathogenicity. MAIN BODY: This paper summarizes genetic associations based on their influence on several metabolic aspects such as lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, hepatic iron accumulation and cholesterol metabolism toward the NAFLD pathogenicity. Furthermore, we present variations in some epigenetic characters and the microRNA profile with regard to NAFLD. CONCLUSION: As reported in many studies, the PNPLA3 rs738409 variant seems to be significantly associated with NAFLD susceptibility. Other gene variants like TM6SF2 rs58542926, MBOAT7 rs641738 and GCKR variants also appear to be more prevalent among NAFLD patients. We believe these genetic variants may provide insights into new trends in developing noninvasive biomarkers and identify their suitability in clinical practice in the future.
Genetic determinants of jaundice and gallstones in haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia
(2001) Premawardhena, A.P.; Fisher, C.A.; Fathihu, F.; de Silva, S.; Perera, W.; Peto, T.E.; Olivieri, N.F.; Weatherall, D.J.
Chronic hyperbilirubinaemia, gallstone formation, and gall bladder disease are unusually common in people with haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia in Sri Lanka. To determine whether this has a genetic basis we compared the bilirubin levels and frequency of gallstones in patients with different alleles of the UGT*1 gene. There was a significantly higher bilirubin level in those with the 7/7 genotypes compared with 6/6 and 6/7 genotype (p=0.032 and 0.0015 respectively), who also appeared more prone to gallstone formation. These results suggest that the UGT*1 genotpe is of importance in the genesis of gallstones in this population of patients.
The Global distribution of length polymorphisms of the promoters of the gucuronosyltransferase I gene(UGTIAI): hematologic and evolutionary implications
(Academic Press, 2003) Premawardhena, A.P.; Fisher, C.A.; Liu, Y.T.; Verma, I.C.; de Silva, S.; Arambepola, M.; Clegg, J.B.; Weatherall, D.J.
The promoter region of the UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 gene (UGT1A1) contains a run of thymine-adenine (TA) repeats, usually six (TA)(6). As well as its relationship to Gilbert's syndrome, homozygosity for the extended sequence, (TA)(7) (TA)(7), has been found to be an important risk factor for hyperbilirubinemia and gallstones in patients with hemoglobin E-beta-thalassemia and other intermediate forms of beta thalassemia. To assess the importance of this polymorphism in these common disorders a wide-scale population study of the relative frequency of the size alleles of the UGT1A1 promoter has been carried out. Homozygosity for the (TA)(7) allele occurs in 10-25% of the populations of Africa and the Indian subcontinent, with a variable frequency in Europe. It occurs at a much lower frequency in Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and the Pacific Islands, ranging from 0 to 5%. African populations show a much greater diversity of length alleles than other populations. These findings define those populations with a high frequency of hemoglobin E-beta-thalassemia and related disorders that are at increased risk for hyperbilirubinemia and gall bladder disease and provide evolutionary insights into how these polymorphisms have arisen and are so unequally distributed among human populations.
Haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia in Sri Lanka
(Lancet Publishing Group, 2005) Premawardhena, A.; Fisher, C.A.; Olivieri, N.F.; de Silva, S.; Arambepola, M.; Perera, W.; O Donnell, A.; Peto, T.E.; Viprakasit, V.; Merson, L.; Muraca, G.; Weatherall, D.J.
Haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia is the commonest form of severe thalassaemia in many Asian countries, but little is known about its natural history, the reasons for clinical diversity, or its management. We studied 109 Sri Lankan patients with the disorder over 5 years. 25 patients were not receiving transfusion; transfusion was stopped with no deleterious effect in a further 37. We identified several genetic and environmental factors that might contribute to the phenotypic diversity of the disorder, including modifiers of haemoglobin F production, malaria, and age-related changes in adaptive function. Our findings suggest that haemoglobin E beta thalassaemia can be managed without transfusion in many patients, even with low haemoglobin levels. Age-related changes in the pattern of adaptation to anaemia suggest that different and more cost-effective approaches to management should be explored.
Hemoglobin E-[beta] Thalassemia: Progress Report from the International Study Group
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2005) Premawardhena, A.; de Silva, S.; Arambepola, M.; Olivieri, N. F.; Vichinsky, E. P.; Merson, L.; Muraco, G.; Allen, A.; Fisher, C.; Peto, T.; Weatherall, D. J.
A long-term observational study of Hb E-beta-thalassemia in Sri Lanka is beginning to define some of the genetic and environmental factors that are responsible for its remarkable phenotypic variability. In this population there is a very small difference between the steady-state hemoglobin levels between the mild and severe phenotypes, and it has been possible to stop transfusion in many of those who have been on long-term treatment of this kind. These preliminary observations, made over the last 7 years, provide directions for future research into this increasingly important disease.
Impact of a low transfusion regimen on growth and iron loading in haemoglobin E/beta thalassaemia
(American Society of Hematology, 1999) Olivieri, N.F.; Sharma S.; de Silva, S.; Premawardhena, A.P.; Viens, A.M.; Taylor, C.M.; Symes, K.N.; Vichinsky, E.P.; Brittenham, G.M.; Weatherall, D.J.
Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers in Sri Lanka
(The Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2021) Baminiwatta, A.; de Silva, S.; Hapangama, A.; Basnayake, K.; Abayaweera, C.; Kulasinghe, D.; Kaushalya, D.; Williams, S.
INTRODUCTION: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of mental health problems during a pandemic. Being stationed at the frontline or not may have implications on their mental health. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs, to explore differences between frontline and non-frontline workers, and to investigate associated factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, frontline and non-frontline HCWs were recruited from a COVID-19 screening hospital in Sri Lanka. Mental health impact was assessed using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Sociodemographic data and perceptions of social and occupational circumstances were gathered. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi square and logistic regression. Odds ratios were calculated for the effect of different perceptions on psychological morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 467 HCWs participated, comprising 244 (52.2%) frontline and 223 (47.8%) non-frontline workers, with female preponderance (n=341, 77%). Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs were 19.5%, 20.6%, 11.8%, respectively. Non-frontline group showed a higher prevalence of depression (27% vs. 11%, p<0.001), anxiety (27% vs. 14%, p=0.001) and stress (15% vs. 8%, p=0.026). Being married, having children, living with family and higher income were associated with better psychological outcomes. Perceived lack of personal protective equipment, inadequate support from hospital authorities, greater discrimination, and lack of training to cope with the situation predicted poor mental health outcomes, and non-frontline HCWs were more likely to hold such perceptions. CONCLUSION: Addressing factors leading to negative psychological outcomes in HCWs should be a key concern during this pandemic. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Mental health, Hhealthcare workers, Frontline, Depression, Anxiety, Stress
Incidence and risk factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an urban, adult Sri Lankan population – a community cohort follow-up study
(Sage Publishing, 2015) Niriella, M.; Kasturiratne, A.; de Silva, S.; Perera, R.; Subasinghe, C.; Kodisinghe, K.; Priyantha, C.; Rishikeshavan, V.; Dassanayake, A.; de Silva, A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Kato, N.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: We previously reported a community prevalence of 33% for NAFLD in an urban, adult Sri Lankan population. We also found a significant association between patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene rs738409 polymorphism, and susceptibility to NAFLD in the same population, after testing 10 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a case control study. AIMS & METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for NAFLD in this population after seven years of follow-up. The study population consisted of 42-71-year-old adults, originally selected by age stratified random sampling from electoral lists from Ragama, Sri Lanka. The target population was screened initially in 2007 and subsequently invited back for re-evaluation in 2014. On both occasions they were assessed using a structured interview, clinical and anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasound, and biochemical and serological tests. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver (two out of three criteria: increased echogenecity of the liver compared to kidney and spleen, obliteration of the vascular architecture of the liver and deep attenuation of the ultrasonic signal), safe alcohol consumption (Asian standards: 514 units/week for men, 57 units/week for females) and absence of hepatitis B and C markers. Non-NAFLD controls were defined as subjects who did not have any of the ultrasound criteria for NAFLD. We also performed an updated case-control study to investigate associations of selected genetic variants with incident NAFLD [SNPs: PNPLA3 (rs738409), LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), GCKR (rs780094), PPP1R3B (rs4240624) and NCAN (rs2228603), APOC3 (rs2854117 and rs2854116), ADIPOR2 (rs767870) and STAT3 (rs6503695 and rs9891119)]. RESULTS: Of the 2985 original study participants, 2155 (72.2%) (1244 women and 911 men; mean age 59.2 years [SD, 7.7]) participated in the follow-up assessment. 1322 [mean age 58.9 years (SD, 7.6), 483 (53.0%) men and 839 (67.4%) women] had NAFLD. Out of 795 [466 (58.6%) women] participants who did not have NAFLD in the original study, 365 [226 (61.9%) women, mean age 58.6 years (SD, 7.9)] had developed NAFLD after 7 years, giving an annual incidence rate 6.6%. On multivariate analysis, increased waist circumference [OR 1.96(1.30 – 2.97), p=0.001], BMI4 23 kg/m2 [OR 2.93(1.99 – 4.30), p50.001] and raised plasma triglycerides (TG) [OR 1.49(1.03 – 2.13), p=0.03] were independently predictive of incident NAFLD in this cohort, while raised BP and reduced HDL, were not. In the updated association study involving 1310 cases and 427 controls, we found borderline association with NAFLD at two of the 10 candidate loci: rs4240624 at PPP1R3B and rs738409 at PNPLA3 (one-tailed P=0.044 and 0.033, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this community cohort follow-up study in an urban, adult population in Sri Lanka, the annual incidence of NAFLD was 6.6%. Incident NAFLD was associated with features of the metabolic syndrome, and showed tendency of association at PNPLA3 and PPP1R3B gene polymorphisms. Disclosure of Interest: None declared