Learn from health experts about frequently ignored early signs of liver diseases, the factors contributing to premature death from liver conditions, and valuable prevention advice.
Fatty liver disease, medically termed steatosis, is now a prevalent issue resembling a contemporary pandemic and a substantial non-communicable health concern similar to coronary artery disease. This ailment encompasses the abnormal buildup of fat within liver cells, spanning from basic fat accumulation (fatty liver) to more severe manifestations that result in inflammation and fibrosis (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), with the utmost severity being liver cirrhosis (irreversible liver scarring). Liver cirrhosis can lead to liver cell malfunction, heightened liver pressure, or even liver cancer.
Dr. Prakash Valse, based at Ruby Hall Clinic in Hinjewadi, has highlighted the concerning trend of fatty liver disease. He mentioned recent studies, such as one presented at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, which emphasized the significant rise in fatty liver disease rates over the past three decades. This issue isn’t confined to the United States but poses a global health challenge. Dr. Valse pointed out that metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has seen a dramatic surge and is closely linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a common form of liver cancer.
He also stressed the role of increasing diabetes and obesity rates worldwide in exacerbating the prevalence and severity of fatty liver disease. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for fatty liver disease, with a prevalence ranging from 50-85% in diabetes cases across various studies. Diabetics are more susceptible to rapidly progressing fatty liver disease, which can lead to irreversible liver scarring (cirrhosis) and its life-threatening complications, including liver cell failure, liver cancer, high liver pressure (portal hypertension), ascites (abdominal fluid buildup), and hepatic encephalopathy (liver coma) due to increased toxins reaching the brain.
Fatty liver disease, known as steatosis, has become a significant global health issue akin to coronary artery disease. This condition involves the excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells, ranging from simple fat deposition (fatty liver) to more severe forms causing inflammation and scarring (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). The extreme end of the spectrum is liver cirrhosis, which leads to liver cell failure, increased liver pressure, or liver cancer.
Dr. Prakash Valse of Ruby Hall Clinic in Hinjewadi highlighted the alarming rise in fatty liver disease rates over the past three decades, not limited to the United States but a global health challenge. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is closely linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer.
Diabetes and obesity, both on the rise worldwide, play a prominent role in exacerbating fatty liver disease. Diabetics are more likely to develop rapidly progressive fatty liver disease, leading to permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis) and its life-threatening complications. Liver cirrhosis can cause liver cell failure, liver cancer, high liver pressure (portal hypertension), ascites (fluid in the abdomen), and hepatic encephalopathy (liver coma) due to increased toxins reaching the brain.
Recognizing the symptoms of liver damage in diabetics is crucial for early intervention. Early-stage liver cirrhosis indicators can include leg swelling, increased fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, easy bruising, weight loss, and anaemia. Laboratory indicators may include low platelet count, haemoglobin, and WBC count, as well as mild elevation of liver enzymes and bilirubin in liver function tests. Abdominal ultrasound during health checkups may reveal a shrunken, nodular liver, an enlarged spleen, or fluid (ascites) in the abdomen.
Fatty liver disease has become a potent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increasing the global burden of heart-related illnesses. The coexistence of fatty liver and diabetes places individuals at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Early detection and intervention are critical in mitigating the adverse outcomes associated with fatty liver disease, which can progress to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer and liver failure.
NAFLD has become the leading cause of liver transplantation worldwide, which poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems due to the shortage of available organs. Public health initiatives and policy measures focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of fatty liver disease are urgently needed. Fatty liver disease’s strong associations with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and liver cancer highlight the interconnectedness of these non-communicable health problems.
Dr. Kunal Adhyaru, a Hepatology consultant, discussed the classification of Met-ALD for those who consume alcohol occasionally, especially in the presence of metabolic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or obesity. He emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, avoiding alcohol, smoking, and junk food, managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and lipid levels, and taking vaccinations against HBV and HAV under the guidance of a Hepatologist for MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease).
Dr. Akash Shukla, Director of Hepatology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, highlighted the synergy between alcohol and metabolic dysfunction’s adverse effects on liver disease progression. He urged individuals with fatty liver and metabolic risk factors to strictly avoid alcohol and control these metabolic dysfunctions to prevent liver disease progression. Similarly, individuals with alcohol-related problems should stop alcohol consumption and manage metabolic dysfunctions to maintain liver health.
