Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of liver disease characterized by inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, not caused by alcohol consumption. It is a more severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects approximately 25% of the global population.

Causes and Risk Factors

NASH is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include:

• Family history of liver disease
• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Age: NASH can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over 40 years old
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop NASH than men

Symptoms

In the early stages of NASH, patients may not experience any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Diagnosis

NASH can be diagnosed through a combination of:

• Physical examination and medical history
• Liver function tests (LFTs) to measure liver enzymes and proteins
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Liver biopsy to examine liver tissue for inflammation and scarring

Treatment and Management

Treatment for NASH focuses on managing underlying conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, and reducing liver inflammation. Lifestyle modifications include:

• Weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Improving insulin sensitivity through medication or lifestyle changes
• Avoiding alcohol consumption
• Managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to:

• Reduce liver inflammation
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Complications and Prognosis

If left untreated, NASH can lead to serious complications, including:

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Liver failure
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or slow disease progression. With proper management, patients with NASH can reduce their risk of developing complications and improve their overall quality of life.