Liver Steatosis

It is normal for the liver to contain some fat and by itself, this causes no symptoms. In some patients, the excess fat can cause inflammation called steatohepatitis. Steatohepatitis can lead to cirrhosis (fibrosis, scarring and hardening of the liver). There is also an association with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Fatty liver can be classified as alcohol and nonalcohol related. Alcohol is a direct toxin to the liver and can cause inflammation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis (NASH).

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Obesity also increases the risk of developing several diseases such as type II diabetes, insulin resistance, coronary heart disease (responsible for heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (responsible for strokes), high blood pressure, gout, gallstones, colon cancer, sleep apnea, and a form of liver disease called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare, potentially fatal complication that occurs in the third trimester or early postpartum period. Although the exact pathogenesis is unknown, this disease has been linked to an abnormality in fetal fatty acid metabolism. Early diagnosis of AFLP sometimes can be difficult because it shares features with other common conditions such as pre-eclampsia, viral hepatitis and cholestasis of pregnancy.