Orlistat in the treatment of NASH: a case series

Am J Gastroenterol. 2003 Apr;98(4):926-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07375.x.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is now recognized as a common chronic liver disorder. Up to 16% of affected patients may progress to cirrhosis. The incidence and prevalence of this disease are noted to be increasing, in parallel with the nationwide increase in obesity and diabetes. Treatment options for these patients remain quite limited, however. Weight reduction has been advocated, but there are little data to support this practice, as most patients are unable to comply with the proper dietary modifications. We report three obese patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis treated for 6-12 months with a weight reduction medication, orlistat, who lost between 22-42 lb, and had significant clinical and histopathological improvement on follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Fatty Liver / drug therapy*
  • Fatty Liver / etiology*
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Female
  • Hepatitis / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis / etiology*
  • Hepatitis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lactones / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Orlistat

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Lactones
  • Orlistat