Research Article Details

Article ID: A27561
PMID: 18062158
Source: Praxis (Bern 1994)
Title: [Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis--a new epidemic].
Abstract: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the metabolic syndrome of the liver, characterised by the consequences of obesity (insulin resistance, production of free radicals, chronic inflammation) has become a new epidemic in the United States as in Europe. Diagnosis is suspected in patients with obesity, denying alcohol abuse, having typical co-morbitities (Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperlipidemia). Liver histology confirms the diagnosis of NASH. Fatty liver without inflammation bears a good prognosis. Liver fibrosis, however, in NASH patients signalizes progression to liver cirrhosis and even HCC. Treatment modalities are limited. Reduction of body weight, physical activity, treatment of co-morbitities, specially Hypertension and Diabetes are of paramount importance. At the moment it remains unclear whether glitazone treatment could be introduced in the therapeutic armentarium.
DOI: 10.1024/1661-8157.96.47.1857