Utility of noninvasive methods for the characterization of nonalcoholic liver steatosis in the family practice. The “VARES” Italian multicenter study

Prognostic value of liver fibrosis and steatosis biomarkers in type-2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia

“…The leading cause of death was nonliver cancer in dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular‐related death in type‐2 diabetes (Table S2). Consistent with previous observations, we found an impact of HbA1c on overall mortality, a high prevalence of steatosis in patients with type‐2 diabetes (47%) and a close association between the number of metabolic factors and advanced fibrosis …”

“…Consistent with previous observations, we found an impact of HbA1c on overall mortality, 43 a high prevalence of steatosis in patients with type-2 diabetes (47%) 44 and a close association between the number of metabolic factors and advanced fibrosis. 45 Liver biomarkers, such as FibroTest and SteatoTest, are of particular interest in patients with metabolic disorders. FibroTest has prognostic value for predicting overall survival and allows a better evaluation not only of the hepatic risk, but also of the cardiovascular risk.…”

Prospective evaluation of a primary care referral pathway for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…11 An example of this approach is outlined in the recent British Society for Gastroenterology guidance on the management of abnormal LFTs that recommends the use of non-invasive tests to stratify patients at risk of chronic liver disease. 12 Whilst there is little evidence supporting the application of non-invasive tests in community settings, with only 1 study focusing on patients with NAFLD, 13 guidelines recommend a 2-tier approach to detect the presence of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD using either Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) or NAFLD Fibrosis score, as an inexpensive first screen, in a combined cut-off approach with indeterminate scores retested using more sensitive and specific tests, enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF TM ) or FibroScan Ò , that are more costly. 14 Through broad consultation, a care pathway for patients identified with NAFLD in primary care was developed using non-invasive fibrosis assessment (FIB-4 followed by ELF) to stratify patients to either remain in primary care or to be referred to secondary care.…”

Liver Glycerol Permeability and Aquaporin-9 Are Dysregulated in a Murine Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…The most frequent form, namely the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects subjects who do not abuse alcohol and is recognized as the leading cause of chronic liver disease in adults and children [2], [3], [4]. NAFLD has an estimated prevalence of 20–40% in Western countries [5] and is emerging as health problem also in family practice [6]. NAFLD is frequently associated with another harmful condition, the metabolic syndrome, which encompasses several abnormalities such as insulin resistance or established type 2 Diabetes, increased visceral adiposity, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia and blood hypertension [7], characteristics commonly associated with increased cardiovascular risk.…”