| Topic: | Digestive Diseases (DD) |
| Title: | Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. |
| Author: | Angulo, P.; Lindor, K.D. |
| Source: | Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 17 (Supplement): S186-S190. February 2002. |
| Availability: | Available from Blackwell Science. 54 University Street, Carlton South 3053, Victoria, Australia. +61393470300. Fax +61393475001. E-mail: Rob.Turner@blacksci-asia.com.au. Website: www.blackwell-science.com. |
| Abstract: | This review article considers nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic liver disease that affects a high proportion of the world's population. Insulin resistance and oxidative stress play a critical role in the pathogenesis (development) of NAFLD. Clinical, biochemical and imaging studies are of value in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with NAFLD, but liver biopsy remains the most sensitive and specific means of providing important diagnostic and prognostic information. Simple steatosis (fatty liver) has the best prognosis within the spectrum of NAFLD, but NAFLD has the potential to progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis (liver scarring). No effective medical therapy is currently available for all patients with NAFLD. In patients with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia (high levels of blood fats), appropriate metabolic control is always recommended, but rarely effective in resolving the liver disease. Weight reduction, when achieved and sustained, may improve the liver disease, although the results with weight loss have been inconsistent. Drug therapy aimed at the underlying liver disease holds promise. Several medications with different mechanisms of action and potential benefit are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Liver transplantation is a life-extending treatment choice for patients with end stage NAFLD, but NAFLD may recur after liver transplantation. 43 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Fatty Liver. Chronic Disease. Symptoms. Prognosis. Patient Care Management. |
| Minor Keywords: | Drug Therapy. Cirrhosis. Diagnostic Tests. Diagnosis. Diabetes Mellitus. Complications. Risk Factors. Hyperlipidemia. Transplantation. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA09100 |
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