Protocolo diagnóstico, terapéutico y de seguimiento del paciente con enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica

Abstract

The evaluation of the patient in whom non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is suspected consists of three stages: stablishing the diagnosis either non-alcoholic fatty-liver or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Determining the severity of the fibrosis (main overall prognostic factor) and and completing the study of vascular risk factors (which are also the main general prognostic factors in most of these patients). The NAFLD treatment is weight loss, ideally achieved through lifestyle modifications that include dietary caloric restriction and physical exercise. Bariatric surgery is an option when all of the above fail. Specific drugs for the disease are not yet approved. Follow-up depends on severity of the liver disease and the metabolic comorbidities, being the involvement of Primary Care Physicians, Hepatologist, Endocrinologists and Cardiologist frequently necessary.