steatohepatiit

Steatohepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver accompanied by the buildup of fat. The term is derived from Greek words: "steato" meaning fat, "hepar" meaning liver, and "itis" meaning inflammation. There are two main types of steatohepatitis: alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Alcoholic steatohepatitis is caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption. The liver's ability to metabolize fat is impaired, leading to fat accumulation and inflammation. This can result in liver damage, fibrosis, and potentially cirrhosis, a severe scarring of the liver. Symptoms can range from mild, like fatigue and abdominal discomfort, to severe, including jaundice, fever, and liver failure.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with metabolic factors rather than alcohol. It is often seen in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Like ASH, NASH involves fat accumulation in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver cell damage. Over time, NASH can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Management focuses on addressing the underlying causes, such as weight loss, dietary changes, exercise, and controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels.