rasvamaksahaigus

Rasvamaksahaigus, commonly translated as fatty liver disease, refers to a spectrum of liver disorders in which excess fat accumulates in liver cells. The condition mainly includes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). NAFLD occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol; AFLD results from heavy, chronic alcohol use. A mixed form may occur in individuals with both risk factors. In NAFLD, fat accumulation can stay simple (steatosis) or progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where inflammation and liver cell injury lead to fibrosis and, over time, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. AFLD can progress along a similar path if alcohol use continues.

Risk factors for NAFLD include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome; genetics may also play a role. AFLD risk increases with the amount and duration of alcohol consumption, along with age and coexisting liver disease.

Most people with fatty liver have no symptoms. When present, fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort, or vague malaise may occur. Diagnosis combines clinical assessment, blood tests showing elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST), and imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI) that detects hepatic fat. A liver biopsy may be performed to distinguish simple steatosis from NASH and to stage fibrosis, though it is not always required.

Management focuses on lifestyle changes: weight loss, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet, which can reduce liver fat and improve inflammation. Alcohol avoidance is essential in AFLD and helpful in NAFLD. In some cases, medications (e.g., vitamin E for non-diabetic NASH, certain antidiabetic drugs) may be considered, but no universally approved drug cures NAFLD. Prognosis improves with early detection and sustained control of risk factors.