A
man or woman in their forties with an abdomen that is more or less voluminous,
would be considered to be at risk of suffering from this pathology; if we also
add medical tests that show elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides as
well as borderline or slightly high levels of hepatic transaminases, we only
need an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy or a sample of the
liver will show whether or not the liver is in the fibrotic stage or not, or in
other words, if the liver is advancing from fatty to cirrhotic or to cancer.
Fortunately, this only takes place in a small percentage of cases.
Although
the majority of cases are due to the reasons that have been explained above,
there are a small percentage of cases that are due to medication or genetic
factors.
The
majority of symptoms if there were any present, as it is sometimes not the case,
would simply be a discomfort on the right side of the abdomen where the ribs
end.
No
treatment exists presently, only diet, exercise and monitoring risk factors
such as obesity, high triglycerides and diabetes if present.
The
latest research published by the prestigious ‘Journal of Pineal Research’ and
conducted by Spanish and American scientists, showed the possibility of a new
treatment through melatonin, which is a compound used to treat sleeping
disorders and that has shown positive effects in the reduction of fatty liver
in animals.
Other
paths of investigation are still open.
On
a final note, I would like to say that this pathology is showing up more frequently
in children and young people due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.
A
healthy diet is one that is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, cereals, pasta,
fish and a small amount of meat, avoiding saturated and trans fats and
especially refined sugar.
Fatty
liver that is due to alcohol is a completely different matter.
Dr
J. Hurtado Martínez
Medical
Director of HealthSalus
