Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Overview

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a term use for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It is a disease of affluent societies which increases in prevalence in proportion to the rise in obesity. It has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease after hepatitis B, hepatitis C and alcohol.

Signs and Symptoms

Asymptomatic, Abnormal transaminases or isolated elevation of the gamma glutamyl transferase, Sometimes presents with complications of cirrhosis such as variceal hemorrhage

Common Causes

Overweight or obesity, Insulin resistance, High levels of fats particularly triglycerides

Risk Factors

High cholesterol, High levels of triglycerides in the blood, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Hypopituitarism

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Liver function test, Fasting blood glucose, Lipid profile, Ultrasound of abdomen, Liver biopsy

Treatment and Prevention

To decrease the risk of this disease: have a balanced diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle and do regular exercises, Treatment is aimed at reducing BMI and insulin resistance, Anti diabetic medications like metformin, thiazolidinediones which helps in reducing the insulin resistance, Bariatic surgery- Morbidly obese