Fatty liver, or hepatosteatosis, is a disorder in which normal liver cells are replaced with fat cells. This will have different effects on the function of the liver, depending on the disorder's severity or how many liver cells have been replaced with fat. One of the many functions of the liver is to regulate levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, so liver damage can affect these blood levels. A health care professional should be consulted for the treatment and diagnosis of disease and health maintenance.
Causes of Fatty Liver
Fatty liver has many causes, according to "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease" by Vinay Kumar, M.D. One common cause is excessive alcohol intake. It is also more common in those who are overweight or obese and have diabetes. Other causes can be from nutritional problems, such as rapid weight loss or malnutrition. High fat and cholesterol in the blood may also cause it. Metabolic changes, including inherited diseases, and pregnancy can increase the risk. Certain drugs and toxins may also be responsible, such as methotrexate, used for cancer or rheumatic and immune system disorders, or mushroom poisoning. Inflammatory bowel disease and hepatitis may also increase the risk of developing fatty liver.
Consequences of Fatty Liver
If the underlying causes are addressed, the liver may be able to recover from fatty liver disease. If the offending cause is not taken care of, the fatty liver can progress to liver failure. Liver failure is fatal in time without a transplant, as noted by "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. A person may experience no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they tend to be weakness, tiredness or weight loss. As the liver damage progresses, fluid retention, a tendency to bleed, and confusion may become more common.
Effects on Blood Lipids
Lipids refer to fat- and cholesterol-like molecules, which tend to be high in people with fatty liver disease. Lipid-lowering medications are one treatment of fatty liver disease with high cholesterol and fat in the blood, although it is unknown how well they affect the progression of the disease according to a 2008 article in the journal "Metabolism."
Diagnosis of Fatty Liver and Abnormal Blood Lipids
Since fatty liver disease is often without symptoms, it is more frequently found during routine checkups. Some signs include a large liver on physical exam and elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Imaging, such as a CT scan, can show fat in the liver. Definitive diagnosis is made with a liver biopsy, in which a small piece of liver is removed with a needle and studied under a microscope.
Treatment of Fatty Liver and Abnormal Blood Lipids
There are no specific therapies for fatty liver, but the underlying causes should be addressed. If a person is overweight, weight loss is crucial. Increased physical activity and proper diet can help. High blood fat and cholesterol may be treated with medications. Alcohol should be avoided. Offending medications should be changed, if possible. If fatty liver progresses to liver failure, a liver transplant may be needed.
References
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci, et al; 2008
- "Metabolism"; Efficacy of Atorvastatin for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis with Dyslipidemia; H. Hyogo, et al; 2008
