Work

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Year: 2008

Type: review

Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States and, indeed, worldwide. It has become a global public health issue. In the United States, the prevalence in the general population is estimated at approximately 20%, while that in the morbidly obese population at approximately 75-92% and in the pediatric population at approximately 13-14%. The progressive form of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is estimated at approximately 3-5%, with approximately 3-5% of these having progressed to cirrhosis. Thus, the numbers of individuals at risk for end-stage liver disease and development of primary liver cancer is large. NAFLD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, leads to increased all-cause mortality, and to increased liver-related mortality. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the NAFLD disease spectrum, including etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and genetic and environmental risk factors and suggests future directions for research in this important area.

Source: Journal of Lipid Research

DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r800089-jlr200

Author: Sandra K. Erickson

Institutions: San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,430