Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Significant Fibrosis Doubles in U.S.

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

The prevalence of alcoholic fatty liver disease with moderate-to-severe fibrosis doubled in the U.S. over a 15-year period, according to a research letter in JAMA.

Examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, researchers found that the prevalence of alcoholic fatty liver disease was stable from 2001-2002 through 2015-2016, at roughly 4.5%. However, disease with stage 2 or greater fibrosis increased from 0.6% to 1.5%, and that with stage 3 or greater fibrosis increased from 0.1% to 0.2%.

The researchers write, "This is a particularly concerning observation given that developing fibrosis is the strongest predictor of progression to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death." They call for "greater awareness of unhealthy alcohol use and ... early prevention and intervention efforts."