Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Although many markers and noninvasive testing methods have been developed to determine the liver diseases and its stages, liver biopsy still remains a gold standard. However, high morbidity, mortality and surgical complications are associated with the procedure. This article discusses the patient selection criteria a clinician can refer before finalizing liver biopsy or therapy.
Prevalence of NAFLD in Indian population is comparable to the west (5 to 28%). NAFLD has two subtypes, ranging from simple steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to cirrhosis. NAFLD is thought to be the hepatic consequence of systemic insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Clinically it is important to distinguish…
