Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 30 to 40% of the population globally
and is increasingly considered the most common liver disease. Patients with type 2
diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases are at especially increased risk for
NAFLD. Although most patients with NAFLD do not have progressive liver disease, some
patients progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver mortality. Given the sheer
number of patients with NAFLD, the burden of disease is enormous. Despite this large
and increasing burden, identification of NAFLD patients at risk for progressive liver
disease in the primary care and diabetology practice settings remains highly suboptimal.
In this review, our aim is to summarize a stepwise approach to risk stratify patients
with NAFLD which should help practitioners in their management of patients with NAFLD.
Keywords
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - risk stratification - advanced disease - noninvasive
tests - primary care
