Topic Highlight
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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 21, 2014; 20(7): 1712-1723
Published online Feb 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i7.1712
Clinical approaches to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Katherine JP Schwenger, Johane P Allard
Katherine JP Schwenger, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s Circle, Toronto M5S 1A8, Canada
Johane P Allard, Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 2C4, Canada
Author contributions: Schwenger KJP performed and wrote the literature review; Allard JP supervised and edited.
Correspondence to: Johane P Allard, MD, FRCPC, Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, 585 University Avenue, Suite 9-N-973, Toronto M5G 2C4, Canada. johane.allard@uhn.on.ca
Telephone: +1-416-3405159 Fax: +1-416-3480065
Received: October 29, 2013
Revised: December 5, 2013
Accepted: January 3, 2014
Published online: February 21, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the metabolic syndrome and patients who present with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure requiring transplantation. NAFLD is becoming a public health issue due to its increased prevalence. It is important to recognize the disease early to prevent its progression. Proper management is required in order to reduce associated with it. This review discusses what current practices are and provides suggestions for future research.