Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a review of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management

Tony Dazhong Huang; Jason Behary; Amany Zekry

doi:10.1111/imj.14709

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a review of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis and management

Intern Med J. 2020 Sep;50(9):1038-1047. doi: 10.1111/imj.14709.

Authors

Tony Dazhong Huang^{1

2}, Jason Behary^{1

2}, Amany Zekry^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
² St George and Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 31760676
DOI: 10.1111/imj.14709

Abstract

Due to the rising prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world. In some patients, simple steatosis can result in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis which over time can lead to liver cirrhosis and its associated sequelae, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Early identification and management of patients at risk with intensive dietary and lifestyle modification are essential to prevent the development of advanced liver disease and its complications. In this review, we will discuss the epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and surveillance strategies to offset the morbidity and mortality of this disease, as well as liver and non-liver-related complications.

Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; liver cirrhosis; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
Humans
Liver Neoplasms*
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / diagnosis
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / epidemiology
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / therapy
Risk Factors