I come across around 10-15 patients in Jaipur on a daily basis, who are diagnosed with Fatty Liver disease

Jaipur, XX April 2022: Fatty liver, the disease in which fat builds up in the liver -- has become quite prevalent among the population in the last few decades. Studies suggest that the prevalence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among the general population in India ranges from 9 to 53 per cent. While, most studies from urban centers have reported a higher prevalence as compared with those that cater to a largely rural population. To mark World Liver Day, which is observed every year on 19 April, Dr Surender Sultania, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology at Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, talks about the disease, its diagnosis, precautions and more. He warns that fatty liver may soon become prevalent among the non-alcoholic population, "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may become endemic, I come across around 10-15 patients in Jaipur on a daily basis, who are diagnosed with this problem," he opens up.  Adding on, Dr Sultania says, "In the span of 10 years, the number of cases has almost doubled. One of the reasons for the same is that there is increase in awareness among the people. But, in the last few years, even the modalities of diagnosis and treatment have improved."

Many factors may lead to the problem of fatty liver in a person, Dr Sultania shares, "Those who consume alcohol may have this problem, even some medicines might lead to fatty liver disease, but most commonly a patient is more likely to develop it if he is suffering from other risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension or metabolic syndrome (where the person has obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia). The latter is known as the Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease." Dr Sultania further reveals, "There are three stages of Nonalcoholic fatty liver. The first stage is called fatty liver or steatosis, the second is steatohepetitis and, the third and the most severe stage is liver cirrhosis, after this the patient may ultimately have hepatocellular carcinoma and even liver failure."

Dr Sultania opens up that there are no major symptoms of fatty liver in the earlier stage, and therefore, it is difficult to diagnose it. "Routinely, the patients who get sonography done due to any other cause may be diagnosed with this problem. There may be symptoms such as mild pain in abdomen, and deranged LFT (Liver Function Test). For the diagnosis, the doctors suggest sonography; for an even better diagnosis, one can get MRI done; after the diagnosis, the patient should get the LFT,lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, measurement of blood pressure, BMI measurement and FibroScan done. Dr Sultania explains, "The LSM (Liver Stiffness Measure) value under the FibroScan helps determine whether the patient has fibrosis or cirrhosis . Also, if the patient's SGOT or SGPT is deranged and LSM value in FibroScan is more, and the age is more, they need to be treated actively, otherwise, it may soon convert into cirrhosis."

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.