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Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease, treatment options outside of weight loss are limited. Observations from studies in both humans and animals suggest that elevated iron levels might play a causative role in the development of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis as well as insulin resistance, which is present in NAFLD.
To evaluate the efficacy of ferritin reduction via phlebotomy in the treatment of NAFLD, investigators randomized 74 patients in a 1:1 ratio to receive phlebotomy two to three times weekly (with the goal of achieving a target ferritin level <45 ng/mL) or no phlebotomy for 6 months. All participants received lifestyle advice regarding diet and exercise. The primary endpoin…