Genetic Factors Account for Some Disparities in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Hispanic Subgroups
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (simple steatosis) represents the more commonly prevalent and benign subset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, nonalcoholic fatty liver can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis. Development of NAFLD-related advanced fibrosis portends a poor prognosis because of a higher risk of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Longitudinal studies in patients with NAFLD have established the stage of fibrosis, not the presence of NASH, as an independent predictor of both the risk of overall and cause-specific mortality in this disease state.
Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Eric R. Yoo, Aijaz Ahmed, Donghee Kim Tags: Editorial Source Type: research