Nonalcoholic liver disease a big concern | News from India

MUMBAI: While alcohol has led to a 65% increase in deaths due to liver damage in the United States over the past 17 years, Indian doctors say that non-alcoholic liver disease appears as a major concern in India.

The US study published in BMJ, formerly the British Medical Journal, also said Thursday that the 25-34 age group has the highest number of liver-related illnesses caused by alcohol.

Although there is no equivalent data in India, local doctors say that one in five Indian people suffers from some form of liver disease. "Nonalcoholic fatty liver is one of the biggest problems," said liver specialist Dr. Samir Shah. This could be caused by obesity or diseases such as diabetes or high cholesterol. "In western India, we see many patients with Gujarat liver disease that is a" dry "state," he added.

The liver specialist, Dr. Aabha Nagral, said she sees seven to eight new patients with hepatic steatosis every day. In addition, while liver disease is badociated with obesity, doctors say that there are several thin Indians with fatty livers too. "If a person with liver disease due to alcohol stops drinking, it's possible that his or her organ regenerates itself, but there is no equivalent measure for a patient with alcohol." 39, a non-alcoholic liver disease, "said Dr. Nagral.

However, not all people with hepatic steatosis develop hepatic insufficiency. "About 20 to 30% of people with fatty liver will see the same progression as patients with alcohol-damaged liver, their liver will be marked and there is a risk of developing cirrhosis and then cancer, "said Dr. Shah.