Magnitude of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Western Perspective

Publication date: Available online 16 May 2019Source: Journal of Clinical and Experimental HepatologyAuthor(s): Naga Swetha Samji, Rajanshu Verma, Sanjaya K. SatapathyAbstractThe incidence of NAFLD is continuing to rise worldwide and it is estimated that this disquieting trend will continue for another 10-15 years before prevalence begins to decrease. NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. As obesity, diabetes and other life style related diseases continue to rise, the spectrum of NAFLD e.g., NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver related morbidity and mortality will increase in parallel. Its widespread prevalence and associated economic burden have drawn significant attention and a multitude of pharmaceutical companies are participating in active research trying to find a “cure”. Unfortunately, as of now, no targeted treatment exists to treat this condition and so emphasis has been on its prevention. The current review focuses on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of NAFLD in Western countries. It is important to understand the magnitude of NAFLD and its risk factors in Western Countries where the prevalence of NAFLD has now reached epidemic proportions to identify the best strategy to prevent and possibly control this epidemic.

Source: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology - May 17, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research