Recorded Symposium Session: Nutrition and Recommendations for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern with a suspected increasing prevalence due to the rise in obesity and diabetes mellitus. Most patients with NAFLD have the non-progressive and generally benign phenotype, NAFL, and a smaller number of patients with NAFLD have the more severe phenotype, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can lead to progressive hepatic fibrosis, development of cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease complications.

Several noninvasive tests have emerged as promising biomarkers to stage and monitor the progression of the disease but unfortunately, there are no FDA-approved medications at the current time. Two agents, vitamin E as an antioxidant and pioglitazone as an insulin sensitizer, have shown modest efficacy against NASH in randomized clinical trials. However, the mainstay of treatment remains lifestyle changes to induce weight loss through diet and exercise. Bariatric surgery represents an attractive option for patients with advanced disease and those with multiple comorbidities. Dietitians, as critical members of the care team, play an important role in the successful management of NAFLD and can positively impact patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives

After attending this session, nutrition professionals should be able to:

  1. Describe the prevalence and risk factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and advise patients about how and when screening should be considered.
  2. Review and understand available diagnostic tests to determine disease severity and monitor progression.
  3. Formulate a strategy to help patients understand the role lifestyle plays in NAFLD and implement changes in diet and exercise to better manage the disease.

Additional Information

Suggested CDR Performance Indicators: 
8.1.4, 8.2.4, 8.3.6, 10.2.9
CDR Activity Type: 
175
CPE Level: 
2
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 CDR
Course opens: 
05/19/2021
Course expires: 
05/18/2022
Cost:
$0.00
Part of: 
2021 Symposium Recorded Webinars Package
Rating: 
0

Naim Alkhouri, MD, is the VP of Academic Affairs, Chief of Transplant Hepatology, and Director of the Fatty Liver Program at Arizona Liver Health (ALH) in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to joining ALH, he served as the director of the Metabolic Health Center at the Texas Liver Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatric at the University of Texas (UT) Health in San Antonio, TX. Naim completed his Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology training at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH where he was also appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Metabolic Liver Disease Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute. He has been published in over 160 publications and presents his work at both national and international medical conferences. Among many research awards, Naim received the American College of Gastroenterology Junior Faculty Development Award to study the analysis of breath volatile organic compounds to diagnose nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The presenter reports the following relevant disclosures: Grant/Research support from: Akero, Albireo, Allergan, Axcella, BI, BMS, Celgene, Gilead, Galmed, Galectin, Genfit, Enanta, Enyo, Hanmi, Inventiva, Madrigal, Merck, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Poxel and Zydus. Consultant to: Allergan, Gilead, Intercept, Pfizer, and Zydus. Received Honorarium from: AbbVie, Alexion, Gilead, Intercept, and Simply Speaking. He has certified that no conflict of interest exists for this program. View our disclosure policy.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 CDR

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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