Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guideline

JHEP Rep. 2021 Sep 17;3(5):100322. doi: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100322. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Abstract

This patient guideline is intended for all patients at risk of or living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the most frequent chronic liver disease worldwide and comes with a high disease burden. Yet, there is a lot of unawareness. Furthermore, many aspects of the disease are still to be unravelled, which has an important impact on the information that is given (or not) to patients. Its management requires a close interaction between patients and their many healthcare providers. It is important for patients to develop a full understanding of NAFLD in order to enable them to take an active role in their disease management. This guide summarises the current knowledge relevant to NAFLD and its management. It has been developed by patients, patient representatives, clinicians and scientists and is based on current scientific recommendations, intended to support patients in making informed decisions.

Keywords: ALD, alcohol-related or alcoholic liver disease; ASH, alcoholic steatohepatitis; BMI, body mass index; CAP, controlled attenuation parameter; CT, computed tomography; CVD, cardiovascular disease; EASD, European Association for the Study of Diabetes; EASL, European Association for the Study of the Liver; EASO, European Association for the Study of Obesity; FIB-4, fibrosis-4 index; FXR, farnesoid X receptor; GLP-1 RAs, glucagon-like receptor 1 agonists; GP, general practitioner; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; LDL, low-density lipoproteins; MRE, magnetic resonance elastography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; NAFL, non-alcoholic fatty liver; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH CRN, NASH Clinical Research Network; NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; NIT, non-invasive test; SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely; T1D, type 1 diabetes; T2D, type 2 diabetes.