Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
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Published version
Author(s)
Maurice, James
Manousou, Pinelopi
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a global prevalence of about 25%. Incidence is increasing with rising levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD is predicted to become the leading cause of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation in the next decade. However, the cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death and only a minority will develop fibrosis and liver-related complications. Therefore, it is imperative to identify patients with advanced disease using non-invasive markers of fibrosis, which include serology-based tests (eg NAFLD Fibrosis Score and ELF test) and imaging (eg transient elastography). This targets appropriate patients for referral to secondary care for additional investigations such as liver biopsy and specialist care. Lifestyle modification and weight loss remains the cornerstone of management, but we are about to enter a new era of promising pharmacotherapies for NASH and fibrosis.
Date Issued
2018-06-01
Date Acceptance
2018-06-01
Citation
Clinical Medicine, 2018, 18 (3), pp.245-250
ISSN
1470-2118
Publisher
Royal College of Physicians
Start Page
245
End Page
250
Journal / Book Title
Clinical Medicine
Volume
18
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© Royal College of Physicians 2018. All rights reserved.
Subjects
1103 Clinical Sciences
General Clinical Medicine
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-06-01