2018 | Zobair Younossi, MD, MPH1,2, Frank Tacke MD PhD3, Marco Arrese MD4,5, Barjesh Chander Sharma MD6, Ibrahim Mostafa MD7, Elisabetta Bugianesi MD8, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong MD9, Yusuf Yilmaz MD10, Jacob George MD11, Jiangao Fan MD12, Miriam B. Vos MD, MSPH13
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the global perspectives on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over the past two decades, NAFLD has emerged as the most common cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. NASH, a more severe form of NAFLD, can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. The disease is not only prevalent in adults but also in children and adolescents, and its association with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity highlights the need for early intervention.
The article highlights the lack of accurate non-invasive methods to detect NASH and the limited treatment options, which primarily involve lifestyle modifications. To address these challenges, an international group of experts convened during the 2017 AASLD Global NAFLD Forum to assess the global state of NAFLD and NASH.
The prevalence of NAFLD varies across different regions, with estimates ranging from 15% to 40% in Asia, 20%-30% in Europe, and 24% in North America. NASH prevalence is estimated at 2% to 3% in these regions. The article also discusses the challenges in developing biomarkers for early detection and monitoring disease progression, as well as the need for large-scale epidemiological studies to better understand the burden of NAFLD in different populations.
The clinical outcomes of NAFLD/NASH are significant, with a higher risk of liver-related mortality, particularly in patients with NASH. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in NAFLD patients, and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) further increases the risk. The article also addresses the economic burden of NAFLD and NASH, emphasizing the need for effective treatments and preventive measures.
In conclusion, the global burden of NAFLD and NASH is significant, and there is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and public health strategies to address this growing health crisis.This article provides a comprehensive overview of the global perspectives on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over the past two decades, NAFLD has emerged as the most common cause of chronic liver disease (CLD) worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. NASH, a more severe form of NAFLD, can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. The disease is not only prevalent in adults but also in children and adolescents, and its association with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity highlights the need for early intervention.
The article highlights the lack of accurate non-invasive methods to detect NASH and the limited treatment options, which primarily involve lifestyle modifications. To address these challenges, an international group of experts convened during the 2017 AASLD Global NAFLD Forum to assess the global state of NAFLD and NASH.
The prevalence of NAFLD varies across different regions, with estimates ranging from 15% to 40% in Asia, 20%-30% in Europe, and 24% in North America. NASH prevalence is estimated at 2% to 3% in these regions. The article also discusses the challenges in developing biomarkers for early detection and monitoring disease progression, as well as the need for large-scale epidemiological studies to better understand the burden of NAFLD in different populations.
The clinical outcomes of NAFLD/NASH are significant, with a higher risk of liver-related mortality, particularly in patients with NASH. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in NAFLD patients, and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) further increases the risk. The article also addresses the economic burden of NAFLD and NASH, emphasizing the need for effective treatments and preventive measures.
In conclusion, the global burden of NAFLD and NASH is significant, and there is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and public health strategies to address this growing health crisis.