Cardiovascular Disease in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Screening and Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe global burden of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as a major cause of chronic liver disease continues to rise. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The current review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of CVD in NASH and strategies for screening and management.Recent FindingsLarge genetic epidemiological studies support the intricate role of the metabolic syndrome in the pathophysiology of CVD risk in patients with NASH. Atherosclerotic CVD risk scores can predict elevated CV risk in NASH, but additional work is necessary to refine risk stratification and to guide optimal management. New antidiabetic agents may offer benefit in treating steatosis and reducing CV morbidity in NASH.SummaryAchieving improved outcomes in patients with NASH requires that future efforts focus on optimizing methods for CVD screening and designing clinical trials with long-term cardiovascular endpoints in mind.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research