Managing Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background

The AASLD has published a new “practice guidance” document, targeted to both primary care clinicians and specialists, on clinical assessment and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is an increasingly common precursor to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Key Points

• A reminder on nomenclature: NAFLD is the umbrella term that includes both nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL; i.e., steatosis without inflammation) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; i.e., steatosis with inflammation).

• NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia; insulin resistance is a common underlying feature.

• Standard B-mode ultr…