What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver refers to a group of conditions in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. Normally, various types of fat including triglycerides and cholesterol are metabolized in this organ. However, in this condition, abnormal amount of fat accumulates in the cells of this organ, despite absence of alcohol consumption. In fact, in some patients, this illness is associated with inflammation and scarring of the liver, eventually leading to cirrhosis, a condition in which liver cells are mostly replaced by scar tissue. This illness is a very common condition affecting up to 20% of adult population. Obesity is the most common cause of this condition. In fact, up to 75% of obese individuals are found to have this condition.

The majority of patients with this condition do not have any symptoms. In fact, fatty liver is most often diagnosed on a routine blood test, in otherwise asymptomatic individual. In patients with fatty liver, there is a mild degree of elevation of liver enzyme called ALT and AST. The diagnosis of fatty liver requires imaging studies of the liver such as ultrasound. To confirm the diagnosis of fatty liver, common causes that are also known to elevate the liver enzymes including certain medications, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and inherited liver disease need to be excluded. The most reliable means of diagnosing fatty liver is by performing a liver biopsy, although rarely necessary to establish the diagnosis of fatty liver.

Most patients with this clinical condition have little or no problem, but up to 25% of patients may go on to develop chronic scarring of the liver as a result of chronic inflammation in this organ. This may lead to a complication known as cirrhosis where most of liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. In cirrhosis, liver is unable to function properly due to insufficient number of functioning cells in this organ. Patients with cirrhosis often develop problems such as bleeding, fluid in the abdomen called ascites, yellowing of the skin or jaundice, and even confusion and altered level of consciousness. These patients may eventually require a transplantation of the liver. In addition, there appears to be a significant risk of developing the cancer of the liver, called hepatocullar carcinoma.

The treatment of fatty liver involves weight reduction, dietary modification, increase in physical activity, and avoidance of alcohol and unnecessary medication. It is also important to control of diabetes and cholesterol in patients who are affected by these conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7306151