Metabolic syndrome as a prerequisite for impaired liver function

In recent decades, gastroenterologists worldwide have increasingly encountered patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
The disease is characterized by increased accumulation of fat in liver cells.

Steatosis is not always accompanied by complaints, but carries a serious risk of developing atherosclerosis (fat builds up not only in the liver but also in the blood vessels) and cardiovascular problems, including heart attack or stroke.

According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has doubled in the past 20 years and is one of the leading causes of liver disease in the Western world.

The causes of the development of steatosis are complex – inborn metabolic defects (Wilson’s disease), unhealthy nutrition, drug treatment (corticosteroids, estrogens, vitamin A overdose, etc.), environmental factors – such as working with toxic materials, etc.

Not infrequently, the cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is part of the so-called metabolic syndrome, including diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, hypertensive disease, obesity, and hyperlipidemia.

Although liver enzyme values are not always elevated in this disease, comprehensive testing of several other parameters and abdominal ultrasonography is a reasonable prophylactic practice.
Because in this case, as in all diseases that lead to complications, chronicity and negatively affect quality of life, preventive examinations and tests performed at least once a year are important – cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, liver enzymes, renal function (urea and creatinine), ultrasound diagnostics.
Early impact on risks is essential to manage the disease – gradual and sustained weight loss, without drastic fasting, with a balanced diet, control of cholesterol and triglycerides, normalisation of blood sugar if elevated.