Current Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Clin Liver Dis. 2018 Feb;22(1):175-187. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2017.08.012. Epub 2017 Oct 21.

Abstract

Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is focused on patients with NASH because they are at highest risk for progressive liver disease. Current first-line treatment consists of lifestyle modifications. Patients should lose at least 7% to 10% of body weight via a combination of physical exercise and calorie restriction dieting. Surgical or endoscopic surgery for weight loss can be considered in obese patients, depending on degree of excess body weight and comorbidities. There is no currently approved pharmacotherapy for NASH. Vitamin E and pioglitazone have the most evidence of therapeutic efficacy but have limitations. The treatment modality chosen should be individualized.

Keywords: NAFLD; NASH; Pharmacotherapy; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / therapy*
  • Thiazolidinediones / therapeutic use
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Thiazolidinediones