Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of cirrhosis <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To highlight the non-alcoolic fatty liver disease, its different severities and possible consequences – cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma – as an often underdiagnosed co-morbidity of obesity. Source of data: The review was based on a search in PUBMED. The main criteria was peer-reviewed journals and well-known authors in the area of obesity and liver disease. Summary of the findings: Recent papers support the association of obesity with non-alcoolic fatty liver disease. It is of interest the possible progression of the steatosis process to cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Conclusion: Morbid obesity is associated to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which, in turn, determines risk of cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. KEY WORDS: FATTY LIVER; OBESITY; LIVER CIRRHOSIS; CARCINOMA, HEPATOCELULAR. COMOBIDITY; RISK FACTORS.