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01-01-2011 | International Forum

Prevalence, gender, ethnic variations, and prognosis of NASH

Authors: Etsuko Hashimoto, Katsutoshi Tokushige

Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology | Special Issue 1/2011

Abstract

We provide an update review on the prevalence, gender, ethnic variations, and prognosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). According to annual health checks, 9–30% of Japanese adults have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by ultrasonography (US) and prevalence of NASH is estimated to be 1–3%. These conditions are strongly associated with the presence of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. NAFLD and NASH exhibit age and gender differences in both prevalence and severity. Among younger patients, these conditions are more common in men (2–3 times); however, after 60 years of age, the prevalence of NASH is higher in women. According to a systemic analysis of histological findings for NASH, 37.6% of patients had progressive fibrosis, 20.8% improved, and 41.6% remained stable over a mean duration of follow-up of 5.3 years. Age and presence of inflammation on initial biopsy were independent predictors of progression to advanced fibrosis. The frequencies of development of cirrhosis in NASH are 5–25% during around 7-year follow-up periods. Survival in NASH is lower than the expected survival of the matched general population due to the higher prevalence of cardiovascular and liver-related death. In patients with cirrhotic NASH, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure are the main causes of morbidity and mortality (5-year cumulative HCC development rate 11.3%, 5-year survival rate 75.2%, respectively). The cumulative rate of recurrence of HCC at 5 years was 72.5%. Regular screening for complications of liver cirrhosis and HCC is extremely important for cirrhotic NASH patients.

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Title: Prevalence, gender, ethnic variations, and prognosis of NASH
Authors: Etsuko Hashimoto
Katsutoshi Tokushige
Publication date: 01-01-2011
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology / Issue Special Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 0944-1174
Electronic ISSN: 1435-5922
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-010-0311-8

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