Fatty Liver Disease – Love Your Liver with a Timely Liver Function Test

Fatty liver happens when fat accumulates in the liver cells. The liver is responsible for processing nutrients and filtering toxins from the bloodstream. But, when excess fat accumulates in the liver, it can lead to inflammation and damage of liver cells and transform into a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).

Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins in the liver. These tests are important in diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases, including fatty liver disease. In this blog, we will discuss the fatty liver causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fatty liver disease, with a particular focus on the role of liver function tests.

Understanding Fatty Liver

NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is the most common type of fatty liver disease and is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of medical conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. These conditions include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

AFLD is caused by excessive alcohol consumption and can cause liver inflammation and scarring. The risk of AFLD increases with the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Alcohol-induced liver disease is among the most common fatty liver causes in Western countries.

In both NAFLD and AFLD, the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to inflammation and damage to liver cells. Over time, this excess fat can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

The symptoms of fatty liver disease are often vague and can include fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. However, in many cases, there may be no symptoms, and the condition is only detected through routine blood tests or imaging studies.

Liver function tests play an important role in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for fatty liver disease. If the liver enzymes are elevated before treatment, a follow-up liver function test can help determine if the treatment is working. If the liver enzymes have returned to normal levels, this indicates that the treatment is successful in improving liver function.

Liver Function Test

Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that are used to evaluate the health and function of the liver.

Liver function tests typically measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins in the blood that are produced by the liver. These include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin.

1. ALT and AST: These are enzymes that are typically found inside liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, causing their levels to rise. Elevated levels of ALT and AST can indicate liver damage, inflammation, or disease.
2. ALP: ALP is an enzyme that is produced by liver cells and is also present in other tissues throughout the body. Elevated levels of ALP can indicate liver damage, as well as bone or gallbladder disease.
3. Bilirubin: This is a waste product produced when red blood cells are broken down by the liver. Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver disease or problems with the bile ducts.
4. Albumin: This is a protein that is produced by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance in the body. Low albumin can demonstrate liver disease or other health problems.

Liver function tests are typically performed as part of a routine physical exam or to evaluate symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice. These tests can help diagnose liver disease, monitor the progression of liver disease, and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

If liver function test results are abnormal, further testing may be necessary to determine the cause of the abnormal results. This may include additional blood tests, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, or a liver biopsy.

Liver function tests can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of liver disease treatment. If the liver enzymes are elevated before treatment, a follow-up liver function test can help determine if the treatment is working. If the liver enzymes have returned to normal levels, this indicates that the treatment is successful in improving liver function.

Fatty Liver Diagnosis and Treatment

Fatty liver diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy. Blood tests can help determine if the liver enzymes are elevated, indicating liver inflammation or damage. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans can help visualise the liver and determine if there is fat accumulation or scarring in the liver. In a liver biopsy, we take a small sample of liver tissue under a microscope. Doing this can help determine the severity of liver inflammation and damage.

Treatment for fatty liver disease depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet can help improve the condition. In some cases, medications such as insulin-sensitising drugs or lipid-lowering medications may be prescribed.

In cases of alcoholic fatty liver disease, the primary treatment is to stop drinking alcohol. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms and to prevent relapse. In severe cases of alcoholic fatty liver disease, hospitalisation may be necessary for close monitoring and treatment.

Liver function tests play an important role in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for fatty liver disease. If the liver enzymes are elevated before treatment, a follow-up liver function test can help determine if the treatment is working. If the liver enzymes have returned to normal levels, this indicates that the treatment is successful in improving liver function.

Prevention of Fatty Liver

Preventing fatty liver disease involves making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk factors associated with the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is also important in preventing alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Regular liver function tests can also be used as a preventative measure in identifying early signs of liver disease. This allows for early intervention and treatment, which can help prevent further liver damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fatty liver disease is a common condition that is causes by various factors, including obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Liver function tests play a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring fatty liver disease, as well as assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

Preventing fatty liver disease involves making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk factors associated with the condition. Regular liver function tests can also be used as a preventative measure in identifying early signs of liver disease.

Liver health is an essential component of overall well-being, and taking steps to prevent and manage fatty liver disease is crucial in maintaining optimal liver function.