Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in First Degree Relatives of Patients with Nafld

Abstract

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) includes a spectrum of hepatic pathology that resembles alcoholinduced liver disease but develops in individuals who deny a significant history of alcohol ingestion. NAFLD comprises a wide spectrum of liver damage, ranging from simple macrovesicular steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD has doubled during last 20 years, whereas the prevalence of other chronic liver diseases has remained stable or even decreased. Moreover with increasing incidence and prevalence, the perception of NAFLD being a benign condition of little clinical significance is rapidly changing. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and dyslipidemia are predisposing factors for NAFLD. All these are directly linked with diet and lifestyle of an individual and hence preventable and modifiable. The study was conducted to identify the prevalence of NAFLD among the first degree relatives of a patient already diagnosed with NAFLD. The study demonstrated the increased prevalence of NAFLD among the family members. Further risk factor analysis in the study strengthened the role of diet and lifestyle in the etiology of NAFLD.