Journal of Liver

Guide to Steatohepatitis: A Type of Fatty Liver Disease

Ababi Desalegn^* Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
^*Correspondence: Ababi Desalegn, Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China, Email:

Received: 02-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JLR-23-21046; Editor assigned: 05-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. JLR-23-21046(PQ); Reviewed: 18-Jan-2023, QC No. JLR-23-21046; Revised: 24-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JLR-23-21046(R); Published: 02-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-0889.23.12.164

Description

Steatohepatitis is a condition that affects the liver, causing inflammation and fat accumulation. It is a type of fatty liver disease, which occurs when excess fat is stored in the liver cells. Steatohepatitis can be caused by different factors, such as alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. If left untreated, steatohepatitis can lead to serious complications, such as liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer [1]. There are two main types of steatohepatitis one is alcoholic and other is non-alcoholic. Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (ASH) is caused by chronic and heavy alcohol use, which damages the liver cells and impairs their ability to process fat [2]. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is caused by other factors that increase the risk of fatty liver disease, such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation. NASH is more common than ASH and affects about 3% to 5% of the population. The symptoms for steatohepatitis may vary depending on the severity and stage of the disease. In some cases, steatohepatitis may not cause any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages [3-5]. However, some possible signs and symptoms of steatohepatitis include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Nausea

• Jaundice

• Swelling of the abdomen or legs

• Itching

• Confusion or mental changes

The diagnosis of steatohepatitis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, and liver biopsy. Blood tests can measure the levels of liver enzymes, which may be elevated in steatohepatitis. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan, can show the size and shape of the liver and detect any fat accumulation or scarring [6-8]. Liver biopsy is the most definitive test for steatohepatitis, as it involves taking a small sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope for signs of inflammation and damage. The treatment of steatohepatitis depends on the cause and stage of the disease. The main goal of treatment is to stop or reverse the progression of liver damage and prevent complications [9]. The most important step in treating steatohepatitis is to eliminate or reduce the risk factors that contribute to fatty liver disease. This may include:

• Stopping or limiting alcohol intake.

• Losing weight if overweight or obese.

• Controlling blood sugar if diabetic.

• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol if high.

• Eating a balanced diet that is low in fat and sugar and high in fiber and protein.

• Exercising regularly.

• Avoiding medications or substances that may harm the liver.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat steatohepatitis or its complications. For example, corticosteroids or immune suppressants may be used to reduce inflammation in ASH. Antioxidants or insulin sensitizers may be used to improve liver function in NASH. Diuretics or beta blockers may be used to reduce fluid retention or bleeding in cirrhosis [10]. Liver transplant may be considered as a last resort for patients with end-stage liver failure.

Conclusion

Steatohepatitis is a serious condition that can affect the quality and quantity of life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to slow down or halt the progression of liver damage and improve the prognosis. Therefore, it is important to consult doctor if anyone have these symptoms or risk factors for steatohepatitis and follow their recommendations for lifestyle changes and medication. The causes of steatohepatitis are different depending on whether it is alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Alcoholic steatohepatitis is caused by chronic and heavy alcohol use, which damages the liver cells and impairs their ability to process fat. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is caused by other factors that increase the risk of fatty liver disease, such as insulin resistance, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation. Some drugs and genetic factors may also contribute to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

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