Non-alcoholic fatty liver: Diagnosis and treatment

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by the accumulation of too much fat in nonalcoholic liver cells. Normally the liver contains some amount of fat, but when the amount of fat in the liver occupies more than 5 to 10 percent of the liver volume, it causes fatty liver. Fatty liver can worsen to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, causing liver swelling and damage.

Tests indicated to diagnose and determine the severity of the disease include:

Complete blood cell analysis Liver enzymes and liver function tests Hepatitis tests (Hepatitis A, B, C and other viruses) Screening tests for Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance) Fasting blood sugar HbA1c, average blood sugar level in the last 3 months Blood fat set, including quantification of Cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL,... Imaging Diagnosis Abdominal ultrasound is the initial test when liver problems are suspected. . Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen. Liver elastography, an advanced ultrasound method that measures the stiffness of the liver, to indicate cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. Elastic Magnetic Resonance, which is a combination of magnetic resonance and sound waves to reconstruct an image of the elasticity of tissues in the body. Histopathology If other tests are unsuccessful, the doctor may order a liver biopsy – a small sample of liver tissue is taken by inserting a fine needle through the abdominal wall into the liver for histopathology to look for signs of inflammation or scarring of the liver. A liver biopsy can be uncomfortable, as well as some small risks. Your doctor will discuss details with you before this procedure.
When the pathology has been identified, the patient needs to comply with the treatment instructions from the doctor.

The first part of treatment is usually weight loss through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise. Losing weight helps limit the risk of fatty liver. Ideally, you would lose 10% of your total muscle weight, but actually risk factors are greatly improved if you start to lose 3-5% of your pre-start weight.
Regarding future treatments, there are currently no medical treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but there are several drugs currently in the works. The research is expected to have promising results.
Currently, while waiting for research results from scientists, the main treatment method is still lifestyle and diet changes. With the support of your doctor, you can take steps to control non-alcoholic fatty liver as follows:
Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, reduce your daily calorie intake and Increase physical activity to lose weight. Reducing calorie intake is an essential key to weight loss and disease management. If you have tried to lose weight without success, consult your doctor. Choose a healthy diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and track your total calorie intake. Exercise and be more active: Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you're trying to lose weight, exercising more can help, but if you're just starting out, consult your doctor first and start slowly. Control blood sugar: Always follow your doctor's instructions for blood sugar control. Always take your medication as prescribed and keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Lowers blood fats: A healthy plant-based diet, exercise, and medication can help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Protect your liver: Avoid factors that can increase the burden on the liver, such as not using alcohol. Always take your medication as directed. Consult your doctor before using any herbal extract, as not all herbal products are safe. Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease requires a combination of many factors, in which lifestyle changes and management of underlying diseases play an important role.

Article referenced source: mayoclinic.org