[NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE]

With the increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease in adults and children. Despite the increasing prevalence, NAFLD remains largely undiagnosed and untreated in routine medical practice. Most patients with NAFLD have no symptoms, while only a few feel discomfort in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen or increased fatigue. The diagnosis is usually set during abdominal ultrasound examination, which is done for some other reason, or by elevated liver biochemical test findings. Early recognition is very important for correct and successful treatment. In primary health care, little is known about the processes related to the identification, diagnosis and referral of patients to specialists. Differentiation between steatosis and steatohepatitis by assessing the severity of fibrosis within steatohepatitis is extremely important. Histopathologic analysis of tissue obtained by biopsy remains the gold standard in this field. For family physician, guidelines that should be combined can be of great help in treating patients with suspected NAFLD. The serious consequences of late recognition of NAFLD could be reduced by such guidelines. Recent studies have shown that NAFLD is associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular complications. Because of their complexity, hepatic and extrahepatic complications, heterogeneity in clinical presentation, histologic severity, prognosis and therapeutic outcome, NAFLD requires a multidisciplinary approach with the active role of family physicians in preventive care, diagnosis and treatment, especially in individuals and groups at risk. Greater attention should be focused on lifestyle modifications (reduction in body weight and physical activity) and their practical implementation. Key words: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver biopsy