NASH and NAFLD¶
John Laurenzano
Background¶
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): presence of hepatic steatosis in the absence of secondary causes (e.g, EtOH)
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Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): evidence of active inflammation in conjunction with steatosis (elevated liver enzymes or evidence on bx)
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Strong association with metabolic syndrome, T2DM, HTN, obesity, prior cholecystectomy
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Generally asymptomatic
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Considered to be a common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis
Evaluation¶
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NASH manifests with elevated liver enzymes, typically 2-5x the ULN, in a roughly 1:1 ratio (as opposed to alcoholic steatohepatitis), though ALT may be higher than AST
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NAFLD is asymptomatic and frequently found incidentally via imaging
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Exclusion of alternative causes and comorbid liver conditions: HCV, HBV, EtOH
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Note: Ferritin is frequently elevated, though not to the extent of hemochromatosis. Low level auto-antibodies are also frequently present
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Can be diagnosed based on imaging alone (and frequently is)
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Ultrasound is used most frequently, though MRI and CT also are acceptable; use risk scores to determine the risk of advanced fibrosis and identify those who would benefit from biopsy
- Fibrosis-4 (FIB 4) score
- NAFLD fibrosis score
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More accurate, non-invasive fibrosis assessments can be done using elastography which can be vibration based (fibroscan), ultrasound based (sheer-wave), or MR-based
- Available at VUMC and can be ordered by anyone. Insurance will not cover MRE if BMI <35
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Management¶
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Aggressive risk factor modification and management of comorbidities (HLD, HTN, T2DM)
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Weight loss: Mediterranean diet>low fat diet (dose dependent improvement)
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No specific medications are FDA approved currently
- Pioglitazone has shown benefit in pts with T2DM and NASH
- Vitamin E has shown benefit in pts without T2DM and proven NASH
- Ongoing studies for SGLT-2i and GLP-1ra; some promise indicated for the latter
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While bariatric surgery is not a specific indication for NASH/NAFLD, increasing evidence demonstrates resolution of NASH and fibrosis in pts with clinically significant weight loss
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Referral to the surgical weight loss clinic should be considered in any patient who meets obesity guidelines for bariatric surgery (BMI >40, or >35 with metabolic comorbidities)
Additional Information¶
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Statins: should be used for HLD in pts with NASH, NAFLD and NASH cirrhosis
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Statin use in decompensated NASH cirrhosis is controversial, and they are less likely to derive benefit given overall poor prognosis. There is an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis in pts with acute on chronic liver failure and are considered contraindicated
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Metformin is safe and may have a survival benefit in patients with diabetes and cirrhosis. Discontinue only in those who have increased risk for lactic acidosis (renal impairment and significant EtOH). Sulfonylureas are generally avoided.