Early Detection of Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Concern
A growing health problem in America, fatty liver disease affects one in four people, with most cases going undiagnosed due to lack of symptoms. The condition, characterized by excess fat buildup in the liver, can lead to serious damage and even cirrhosis. A recent case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment.
Kerry Sivia, a woman from Gurnee, Illinois, was diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis in 2021 after being hospitalized for severely swollen ankles. Her condition was likely undiagnosed for over a decade, and her obesity was a contributing factor. Sivia's doctor, University of Chicago Medicine hepatologist Mary E. Rinella, MD, notes that obesity is a main cause of NAFLD and that early detection and treatment can prevent cirrhosis.
New recommendations suggest that people with obesity and type 2 diabetes should be screened for fatty liver disease using the FIB-4 blood test. The test estimates liver scarring based on age, platelet count, and liver enzyme levels. If the results indicate liver damage, a liver stiffness test called a FibroScan can confirm the presence of serious liver disease.
Sivia's story serves as an inspiration for others to get tested for fatty liver disease. With the support of the Metabolic and Fatty Liver Disease Clinic at University of Chicago Medicine, she was able to reverse her NAFLD by losing 100 pounds and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Her experience highlights the importance of early detection and treatment in preventing the progression of the disease.
