Is steatotic liver a serious problem?

In most cases, fat buildup doesn’t cause serious issues or affect liver function.In some cases, the condition progresses to liver disease. It usually develops in stages:

1.Steatohepatitis:Your liver first builds up fat, then it becomes inflamed (swollen). This inflammation damages liver tissue. This stage is called Steatohepatitis.

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2.Fibrosis: Inflammation damages the liver and causes it to harden, forming a band of scar tissue. This process is called fibrosis.

3.Cirrhosis: Extensive scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to cirrhosis.. If left untreated, cirrhosis can lead to deadly diseases such as liver failure and liver cancer. About 90% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, have cirrhosis.

That's why it's so important to understand what causes fat buildup in the liver . Even if you have early-stage cirrhosis, there are steps you can take to protect your liver from further damage.In some cases, following your doctor's plan can help reverse some damage.

Symptoms and causes

What are the signs and symptoms of Steatotic liver disease(SLD)?

SLD does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include:

Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen.

Extreme fatigue or weakness (fatigue).

More commonly, people notice symptoms when SLD progresses to cirrhosis. When cirrhosis develops, you may experience the following:

Disgusting

Loss of appetite

Unexplained weight loss

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Abdominal swelling (ascites)

Swelling (edema) of the legs, feet, or hands

Bleeding (your doctor notices bleeding in your esophagus, stomach, or rectum)

What causes Steatotic liver disease(SLD)?

SLD can have many causes. However, if you have cardiometabolic risk factors, drink excessive alcohol, or both, your risk is higher. You are more likely to develop SLD if you:

Have alcohol use disorder (frequent or heavy alcohol use).

Have metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels).

Have Type 2 diabetes.

Have overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kilograms kg/㎡).

Have obesity (BMI 30 kg/㎡and above).

Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Have obstructive sleep apnea.

Have hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones).

Have hypopituitarism (low pituitary gland hormones).

Have hypogonadism (low sex hormones).

Take certain prescription medications, such as amiodarone , diltiazem , tamoxifen or steroids. (Fat buildup in your liver can be a medication side effect.)

What are the complications of Steatotic liver disease(SLD)?

If left untreated,SLD can progress to cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure, liver cancer and extra-hepatic cancer. People with this disease also have an increased risk of heart disease. Heart disease, not liver disease, is the leading cause of death in people with SLD.

Management and treatment

Lifestyle and family therapy

With the help of your doctor, you can take steps to manage non-alcoholic steatotic liver disease. You can:

1.Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, reduce your daily calorie intake and increase your physical activity to gradually lose weight. Reducing calorie intake is key to weight loss and managing this disease. If you have tried to lose weight in the past and have not been successful, seek help from your doctor.

2.Make healthy eating choices. Choose a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. your doctor may recommend avoiding or limiting your intake of certain foods and beverages, such as white bread, red and processed meats, fruit juices, and sweetened beverages. Keep track of all your calories.

3.Exercise and increase activity. Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. If you are struggling to lose weight, you may find it helpful to exercise more. But if you don't exercise regularly, get permission from your doctor before starting slowly.

4.Control diabetes. Follow the advice of your doctor on managing your diabetes. Take your medication as directed by your doctor and keep a close eye on your blood sugar.

5.Lower cholesterol and blood pressure. If cholesterol levels and blood pressure are high, take steps to improve them. A healthy diet, exercise and medications may help maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

6.Protect the liver. Avoid behaviors that may harm liver health. For example, avoid alcohol. Use all prescription and over-the-counter medications as directed. Consult your medical care team before using any herbal supplements, as some may damage the liver.

7.Vit E. In theory, vitamin E and other vitamins known as antioxidants can help protect the liver by reducing or counteracting damage caused by inflammation. But more research is needed.

Some evidence suggests that vitamin E supplements may be effective for NAFLD patients who do not have type 2 diabetes. Vitamin E supplements are not recommended for patients with severe liver scarring or type 2 diabetes. Vitamin E has been linked to a slightly higher risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.

8.Caffeinated coffee. Some studies suggest that coffee may benefit the liver by reducing the risk of liver disease, such as NAFLD, and reducing the chance of scarring. It is not clear how coffee prevents liver damage. However certain compounds in coffee are thought to reduce inflammation and slow the growth of scar tissue.

There is no specific treatment or medication. Instead, healthcare providers focus on helping you manage the risk factors that contribute to the disease. This includes making lifestyle changes to improve your health.

drug therapy

Take prescription medications to control diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood). In certain cases, you may also need to take Vit E and thiazolidinediones.

There is a new drug available that can be used to treat patients with moderate to severe liver scarring. Resmetirol (Rezdiffra) may help reduce the amount of fat that accumulates in the liver. However, it is not recommended for patients who already have cirrhosis.

How to prevent steatotic liver disease?

The best way to avoid steatotic liver disease is to maintain overall health:

Take regular exercise

Limit your alcohol intake

Maintain a healthy weight

If you have type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, take your medication as prescribed

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Forecast

Will steatotic liver disappear?

Depending on the severity of the condition, SLD and even some scars can be removed. The liver has an amazing ability to repair itself. If you follow your doctor's treatment plan, you can reduce liver fat and inflammation. You can prevent damage from getting worse and, in some cases, reverse early liver damage.

Will it kill you?

Unless advanced cirrhosis is present, SLD does not cause serious problems for most people. Many people with SLD have a normal life expectancy.

Untreated cirrhosis can eventually lead to liver failure or liver cancer. The liver is an indispensable organ in your life. That's why it's important to protect your liver if you learn you have SLD.

What diet should I follow when I have steatotic liver?

If your steatotic liver is weight-related, follow a balanced diet to lose weight slowly but steadily. doctors often recommend staying away from sugar and trying a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, and good fats. Other foods and diets rich in nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, and chicken are also beneficial food choices for SLD. It's also important to avoid eating too much red meat or drinking sugary drinks.