The American Gastroenterological Association, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology have jointly issued a new practice guideline for diagnosing and managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a Family Practice News report.
The guideline, released in the June issues of Gastroenterology, the American Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, includes 45 recommendations for physicians and clinicians.
NAFLD is the build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It may cause the liver to swell, which could lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure. NAFLD affects up to 25 percent of the United States population, according to the American Liver Foundation.
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