Managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Author: Jing Hieng NGU ¹ ; George Boon Bee GOH ¹ ; Zhongxian POH ² ; Roy SOETIKNO ¹
Author Information

1. Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
2. Frontier Healthcare Group, Singapore.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: fibrosis; metabolic syndrome; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
MeSH: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; pathology; Diet; Disease Progression; Humans; Life Style; Liver; pathology; Liver Cirrhosis; pathology; Liver Neoplasms; pathology; Metabolic Syndrome; complications; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; diagnosis; therapy; Obesity; complications; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
From:Singapore medical journal 2016;57(7):368-371
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing rapidly with the obesity and diabetes mellitus epidemics. It is rapidly becoming the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. NAFLD can progress to serious complications such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Therefore, it is important to recognise this condition so that early intervention can be implemented. Lifestyle modifications and strict control of metabolic risk factors are the mainstay of treatment. As disease progression is slow in the majority of NAFLD patients, most can be managed well by primary care physicians. NAFLD patients with advanced liver fibrosis should be referred to specialist care for further assessment.