What is NAFLD?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 


Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat in the liver. The deposition of fat in the liver is due to either excess production or decreased breakdown of fats.


The causes of this form of ‘fatty liver’ are: -






1)    Uncontrolled/ poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus (both type I and II)

2)    Unbalanced diet high in fat content

3)    High serum cholesterol due to any cause

4)    High serum triglycerides due to any cause

5)    Metabolic syndrome

6)    Polycystic ovarian syndrome

7)    Hypothyroidism




Signs and symptoms

NAFLD is mostly ‘clinically silent’ i.e having no signs or symptoms unless it progresses to its next stage NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). A minority of patients may present with fatigue and right upper-quadrant abdominal discomfort.



Why is it important to screen?

1.    Clinically silent

2.    All causes listed above are commonly found in the Indian population due to both predilection and lifestyle.

3.    Progression to NASH


Diagnosis of NAFLD can be made through:-

1.    Fibro scan

2.    MRI

3.    Liver Biopsy


Advantages of Fibroscan

1.    Non-invasive

2.    Good sensitivity

3.    No preparation needed

4.    Cheaper compared to other diagnostic techniques like MRI







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Advanced Endoscopy procedures

Image
What Are Advanced Endoscopy Procedures? Advanced endoscopy ” is a term used to describe therapeutic procedures in which endoscopy is a primary tool, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), stent placements, and endoscopic resections, among others. “ Advanced Endoscopy procedures
Read more

What is Gastric Polyps?

Image
Gastric Polyps  Gastric polyps are masses or a small aggregation of cells seen in the stomach. They represent areas of higher-than-normal proliferative growth and may potentially turn neoplastic.    They can be further sub-divided into  1) Gastric hyperplastic polyps  2) Fundic gastric polyp  3) Adenomatous polyp s Most polyps are diagnosed incidentally on upper GI endoscopy. Gastric hyperplastic polyps are associated with chronic H.pylori infection and atrophic gastritis.  Risks associated with gastric polyps    1. Age     2. Chronic H.pylori infection    3. Chronic gastritis due to any cause    4. Genetically inherited polyposis syndromes like Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) Clinical features  Majority of the polyps are asymptomatic and are incidentally found. However, a     fraction of cases may present with    1. Heartburn and chest discomfort    2. Indigestio...
Read more

Endoscopic submucosal dissection

Image
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a procedure to remove tumors from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is done under general anesthesia and is done mostly on outpatient basis.  It is done using a high-definition upper GI endoscope either through the mouth or anus (depending on location of the tumor). An electrosurgical knife used to cut the tumor from the adjacent tissue with the use of high-frequency electrical current.  The knife also aids in cauterizing any bleed during the procedure. The tissue which is excised is then sent for histopathological examination. It is indicated in: -  1. Early-stage cancer of the GI tract (especially esophagus)  2. Polyps  3. Non-invasive tumors of the stomach or large intestine  4. Pre-malignant diseases like Barrett’s Special note: -  a) Because it is special minimally invasive procedure, the organ of involvement is preserved. This helps maintain quality of life fo...
Read more