Understanding the Liver
NASH
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a condition that causes inflammation and accumulation of fat and fibrous (scar) tissue in the liver. Liver enzyme levels in the blood may be more elevated than the mild elevations seen with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Although a similar condition can occur in people who abuse alcohol, NASH occurs in those who drink little to no alcohol. The exact cause of NASH is unknown. However, it is seen more frequently in people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. This combination of disorders is often called the metabolic syndrome. People with NASH should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if they are not already immune.
SYMPTOMS
Most people with NASH have no symptoms. Rarely, NASH is diagnosed in people with fatigue, a general feeling of being unwell, and a vague discomfort in their upper right abdomen, although it is not clear if these symptoms are related to NASH.
TREATMENT
• Weight loss
• Vitamin E supplements (only if recommended by your doctor)
• Timely medication
DIAGNOSIS
NASH is most often discovered during routine laboratory testing. Additional tests help confirm the presence of NASH and rule out other types of liver disease. Imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) may reveal fat accumulation in the liver but cannot differentiate NASH from other causes of liver disease that have a similar appearance.
