Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Question 1

What is NAFLD?

Answer 1

Fat deposits = abnormal liver function

Question 2

Distinguishing signs of NAFLD?

Answer 2

No significant alcohol PMH
Hepatosplenomegaly
Central obesity/distention

Question 3

Investigation of NAFLD?

Answer 3

1) History + Examination
2) Bedside - Non-invasive Liver screen
e. g. FBC, LFT, Hep serology, auto-antibodies, IgM etc.
3) Imaging: Hepatic Ultrasound

Question 4

Progression of NAFLD?

Answer 4

1) Fatty deposits
2) Steatohepatitis - inflammation
3) Fibrosis of tissue
4) Cirrhosis

Question 5

Assessing severity of NAFLD?

Answer 5

Look for Fibrosis

1) Enhanced Liver Fibrosis blood test (>7.7)
2) Fibroscan

Question 6

Treatment of NAFLD?

Answer 6

1) Conservative: control risk factors/lifestyle
e. g. Alcohol cessation (avoid exacerbation)
2) Referral to specialist services