Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

Fatty Liver Disease is the result of excess fat in the liver cells. Fatty tissue slowly accumulate in the liver when a person's diet exceeds the amount of fat his or her body can handle.

Signs and Symptoms

May not have any symptoms, Enlarged liver, Skeletal muscle wasting, Enlarged spleen, Abdominal swelling, Persistent pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, Lethargy , Enlarged blood vessels just beneath the skin surface, Red palms, Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Common Causes

Overweight or obesity, Insulin resistance, High blood sugar, High levels of fat particularly triglycerides in the blood, Starvation, Protein malnutrition, Rapid weight loss, Intestinal bypass surgery for obesity, Long-term use of total parenteral nutrition

Risk Factors

High cholesterol, High levels of triglycerides in the blood, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, particularly when fat is concentrated in the abdomen, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Sleep apnoea, Type 2 diabetes, Underactive thyroid, Underactive pituitary gland, Older people, Alcohol , Genetic factors, Hepatitis C, Hispanic ethnicity, High blood pressure

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination, Full blood count, Liver function test, Fasting insulin levels, Fasting glucose levels, Serum triglycerides, Serum cholesterol, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Viral serology for Hepatitis C, Serum ferritin, Serum transferrin, Antinuclear antibody, Anti-smooth muscle antibody, Anti-liver-kidney antibody, Liver ultrasound, MRI scan of the liver, Liver biopsy

Treatment and Prevention

Stop smoking, Ensure a healthy diet is consumed, Exercise regularly, Avoid drinking alcohol in excess, Ensure glucose levels are controlled, Gradual weight loss, Minimise sugar consumption, Vitamin E, Get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B