2023-06-08 08:00:14
NASH or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is fatty liver disease and has been a major global public health issue for several years. Often associated with metabolic syndrome, it can progress to major complications, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Faced with this challenge, International NASH Day has been organized since 2018 at the beginning of June, to raise awareness among as many people as possible regarding this liver disease.
NASH or fatty liver disease
The NASH is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is estimated to affect more than 115 million people worldwide and its prevalence continues to rise. It might affect 357 million people by 2030, i.e. three times as many patients as today. How to explain such an increase in cases of fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is frequently associated with metabolic syndromewhich combines several characteristics:
The disease is characterized by a fat accumulation in the liverresulting in a real ” foie gras “without necessarily a context of excessive alcohol consumption (another cause of the accumulation of fat in the liver).
NASH has become the leading cause of liver cirrhosis
The accumulation of fat in the liver is not without health consequences, if it persists over time. Gradually, the disease may progress to liver cirrhosisthen to a cancer du foie. In some contexts, it can become an indication of liver transplant. Following the increase in overweight and obesity, lipid disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes, NASH follows the same evolution and becomes a real pandemic.
In the USA, one of the most affected countries, nearly one in three Americans is said to have NAFLD, the initial form of NASH, and 5% of Americans develop NASH, the progressive form of fatty liver. Within a few years, while alcohol was previously the main cause of cirrhosis, NASH became responsible for 80% of new cases of cirrhosis. In France, nearly 17% of French people are affected by NAFLD, mostly men. The incidence increases with age and is particularly high in obese and/or diabetic subjects.
June 8, 2023, 6th international nash day
Faced with the major public health challenge represented by NASH, the june 8 international day is of particular importance. It takes place in the form of an awareness campaign for the general public to inform regarding the disease, its risk factors, its diagnosis, its prevention and its treatment. More than 70 partners from more than 70 countries participate in this event with the support of 22 international learned societies. It takes the form of events, screening actions, information sessions, communication on the media and social networks.
For the year 2023, three objectives have been targeted: take stock of NASH in the world, assess the impact of the disease in high-risk populations and facilitate access to treatment for populations of African origin. Screening is a key point, because NASH evolves insidiously and silently sometimes for many years. Individuals with risk factors should be screened screening to quickly identify the disease and put in place strategies to stop its progression. A change in lifestyle (diet, physical activity, quitting smoking, controlling body weight and reducing alcohol consumption) is the first action to put in place to stop the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Definition and causes of fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. www.ameli.fr. Accessed June 1, 2023.
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