Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Awareness of a Diagnostic Challenge—A Clinician’s Perspective

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease globally. NAFLD is a complex pathology, considered to be the hepatic expression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is supposed to become the main indication for liver transplantation in the coming years and is estimated to affect 57.5–74.0% of obese people, 22.5% of children and 52.8% of obese children, with 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes being diagnosed with NAFLD. Recent research has proved that an increase in adipose tissue insulin resistance index is an important marker of liver injury in patients with NAFLD. Despite being the main underlying cause of incidental liver damage and a growing worldwide health problem, NAFLD is mostly under-appreciated. Currently, NAFLD is considered a multifactorial disease, with various factors contributing to its pathogenesis, associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, but also with cardiovascular, kidney and endocrine disorders (polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency). Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, sleep apnea, inflammatory bowel diseases, cystic fibrosis, viral infections, autoimmune liver diseases and malnutrition are some other conditions in which NAFLD can be found. The aim of this review is to emphasize that, from the clinician’s perspective, NAFLD is an actual and valuable key diagnosis factor for multiple conditions; thus, efforts need to be made in order to increase recognition of the disease and its consequences. Although there is no global consensus, physicians should consider screening people who are at risk of NAFLD. A large dissemination of current concepts on NAFLD and an extensive collaboration between physicians, such as gastroenterologists, internists, cardiologists, diabetologists, nutritionists and endocrinologists, is equally needed to ensure we have the knowledge and resources to address this public health challenge.

Keywords

• NAFLD
• insulin resistance
• metabolic syndrome
• multifactorial disease