NAFLD Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
Genetic disease with excessive fat in liver cells NOT due to alcohol
NAFLD is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver without significant alcohol consumption.
What is the male to female ratio for NAFLD?
More common in MALES - 3:1
NAFLD is more common in males compared to females.
List at least three risk factors associated with NAFLD.
- Age (50-60)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
- Smoking, high BP/cholesterol, poor diet
Additional risk factors include poor diet/exercise, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
What are common symptoms of NAFLD?
- Asymptomatic
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Right upper quadrant (RUQ) discomfort
Many individuals with NAFLD may not exhibit any symptoms.
How is NAFLD usually diagnosed?
As an incidental finding during liver ultrasound (USS)
Fatty changes are often discovered during imaging for other reasons.
What imaging techniques are used in the investigation of NAFLD?
- Liver ultrasound (USS)
- Fibroscan (liver stiffness)
Fibroscan measures liver ‘stiffness’ which can indicate fibrosis.
What blood tests are relevant in diagnosing NAFLD?
- Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test
- Liver function tests (LFTs) - raised ALT and AST
Elevated ALT and an ALT:AST ratio above 2 are indicative of liver issues.
What is the surgical method used to stage NAFLD?
Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy helps in assessing the degree of liver damage.
What are conservative management strategies for NAFLD?
- Weight loss
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Control blood pressure
- Diet and exercise
Lifestyle modifications are the first-line approach to managing NAFLD.
When should a patient with NAFLD be referred to Hepatology?
For advanced fibrosis
Referral is necessary if there are signs of significant liver damage.
What new treatments are being researched for NAFLD?
- Gastric banding surgery
- Insulin-sensitizing drugs (e.g., metformin, pioglitazone)
Research is ongoing to explore these potential treatment options.
How is liver scarring estimated in NAFLD to assess need to biopsy?
Fibrosis 4 score (FIB-4)
FIB-4 is used to assess the need for liver biopsy based on fibrosis estimation.
What are the stages of disease progression in NAFLD?
- NAFLD
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Cirrhosis
- Cirrhosis complications (liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma)
Understanding these stages is crucial for management and treatment planning.
What condition should be considered in pregnant women with jaundice and abdominal pain?
Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
Symptoms may include jaundice and pruritus during pregnancy.
