Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine
-
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 37% of US adults. The progression from nonalcoholic fatty liver with no inflammation to steatohepatitis with inflammation and progressive fibrosis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The epidemic of NAFLD requires that primary care providers recognize at-risk patients and screen them. The authors review identifying individuals at risk, treatment options founded on lifestyle modification, and when to consider referring patients to a hepatologist.