Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG49/2

Question

Non-invasive tests for diagnosing NASH:- Which non-invasive tests most accurately identify non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- NASH develops in only a minority of people with NAFLD. It is thought to be the precursor of liver fibrosis, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. As a result, NASH has been the main target for treatment in NAFLD. This is because reducing the severity of NASH would reduce the risk of a person progressing to fibrosis and advanced liver disease. However, the only way to identify people with NASH is by performing an invasive liver biopsy which is impractical in view of its risks to health and cost. Given that between 20 and 30% of the population have NAFLD, it is important that we have a simple non-invasive method for determining which people have NASH. Then they can start treatment to reduce the risk of developing fibrosis and complications of endstage liver disease.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): assessment and management

Number

NG49

Date issued

July 2016

Other details