Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of liver disease in the United Kingdom, and is predicted to become the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) within the next 10 years. Key Messages: With rising demands on liver services, identifying those at risk of developing significant liver disease is important, so that risk factors for disease progression can be addressed. Emerging diagnostic techniques make it possible to diagnose significant fibrosis without the need for liver biopsy, and while there are currently no approved therapies for NAFLD, a specialist clinic can also provide access to clinical trials. For patients who develop cirrhosis, the presence of multiple comorbidities necessitates expertise in the selection and management of individuals requiring LT. Conclusions: A dedicated multidisciplinary NAFLD clinic facilitates rationalisation of services, improves patient outcomes, and provides access to emerging diagnostics and therapies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 371-376 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Digestive Diseases |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 May 2017 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Grant Support P.N.N. and S.A.T. are supported by the NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit based at University Hospitals Birmingham and the University of Birmingham. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Keywords
- Clinic
- Management
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Service provision
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology