What do Doctors call this Condition - Steatosis

What is this Condition?

Fatty liver is a common problem in which triglycerides and other fats accumulate in liver cells. In severe fatty liver, fat makes up as much as 40% of the liver’s weight (as opposed to 5% in a normal liver), and the weight of the liver may increase from slightly over 3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) to as much as 11 pounds (5 kilograms). A mild case may be temporary and cause no pain. A severe case may cause pain, permanently impaired liver function, or even death. However, fatty liver usually can be reversed if the person follows a strict therapy program and especially avoids alcohol.

What Causes it?

Fatty liver is common in alcoholics. Its severity is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed over time.

Other causes include malnutrition (especially protein deficiency), obesity, diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, Reye’s syndrome, pregnancy, bypass surgery, large doses of certain drugs, prolonged intravenous feeding, and pesticide poisoning.

What are its Symptoms?

Symptoms vary with the degree of fat accumulation. Many persons in initial stages of fatty liver have no symptoms. For others, the most typical sign is a large, tender liver. Common symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen (with rapid or massive fat infiltration), swelling, and fever - all with liver damage or decreased bile function. Nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss are less common. A large, tender spleen usually accompanies cirrhosis.

How is it Diagnosed?

The doctor can see the symptoms in most people - especially if they’re alcoholic, obese, malnourished, or severely diabetic. He or she can use a biopsy (tissue specimen obtained for study) to confirm excessive fat in the liver. Diagnosis is supported by blood tests.

How is it Treated?

The doctor will help you work to ease or eliminate the cause of fatty liver. For instance, when fatty liver results from intravenous feeding, decreasing the rate of carbohydrate infusion may correct the disease. In alcoholic fatty liver, proper diet and staying away from alcohol can begin to correct liver changes within 4 weeks. If a chronic illness is causing malnutrition, you may need a special diet, especially if you have protein deficiency.

What can a Person with Fatty Liver do?

The best news is that fatty liver is reversible if you strictly follow the therapeutic program. You can avoid permanent liver damage. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• If alcohol is causing your problem, get help from one of the many available support groups for you and your family.

• Persons with diabetes and their families can learn about proper care, such as the purpose of insulin injections, diet, and exercise. A visiting nurse or group classes can help with instruction.

• If obesity is the problem, you should avoid fad diets that may be nutritionally inadequate. For people more than 20% overweight, a doctor-supervised diet is recommended. For others, group diet and exercise programs may help.