Sana added, “In 2021 I didn’t understand what I was going through. There were days where I couldn’t even get up from the bed.” In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and Co-Founder of Rang De Neela initiative, shared, “Non-alcoholic hepatitis, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition characterised by the accumulation of fat in the liver. This condition is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption, as the name suggests, but rather by a variety of factors that can lead to the development of liver inflammation and damage.”

Causes:

Dr Rajiv Kovil revealed, “Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. The estimated global incidence of NAFLD is 47 cases per 1,000 population and is higher among males than females In India The prevalence of NAFLD is found to be more than 25% globally and 9% to 32% in the general Indian population. The exact causes of non-alcoholic hepatitis are not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. Individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing non-alcoholic hepatitis.”

Symptoms:

The progression of non-alcoholic hepatitis can vary from individual to individual. Dr Rajiv Kovil informed, “In some cases, the condition may remain relatively mild, with the liver able to function normally despite the presence of fat. However, in more severe cases, the inflammation can lead to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can eventually progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and even liver failure.”

He added, “Symptoms of non-alcoholic hepatitis are often subtle in the early stages and may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. As the condition worsens, individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fluid retention and difficulty with blood clotting.”

Traetment:

According to Dr Rajiv Kovil, treatment for non-alcoholic hepatitis typically involves addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the condition. He explained, “This may include weight loss through diet and exercise, management of diabetes or other metabolic disorders, and the use of medications to reduce inflammation and improve liver function. On March 14, 2024, resmetirom (Rezdiffra) became the first drug approved by the US FDA for treating patients with noncirrhotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; recently renamed metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, or MASH) and moderate-to-advanced hepatic fibrosis.”

He elaborated, “Resmetirom is a pill that activates the thyroid hormone receptor that reduces liver fat accumulation. Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other adverse liver outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease, though none of them have got a labeled indication to treat NAFLD. In cases where the condition has progressed to cirrhosis or liver failure, more intensive treatments, such as liver transplantation, may be necessary.”

Early detection and management of non-alcoholic hepatitis are crucial in preventing the development of more severe liver disease. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider and lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing this condition and improving overall liver health.