non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Most patients are asymptomatic; some may have hepatomegaly on examination or minimal right upper quadrant pain.
Risk factors for NAFLD include type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance causes unregulated hepatic triglyceride synthesis, peripheral Lipolysis, and free fatty acid uptake into the liver—all of which promote hepatic fat deposition (ie, hepatic steatosis),
Laboratory findings include elevated aminotransferases (usually 2-5 times the upper limit of normal) with an AST/ALT ratio <1. An ultrasound is performed to help confirm the diagnosis and usually demonstrates a hyperechoic— appearing liver, which reflects hepatic fatty infiltration
As NAFLD progresses, steatohepatitis can occur, putting patients at risk for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The mainstay of therapy is weight loss, which can reverse NAFLD-related liver damage
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