CAUSES:
Metabolic Syndrome - obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia
Metabolic - hypothyroidism, TPN, rapid weight loss
GI surgery - gastroplasty, jejunal bypass, small bowel resection
Drugs - Tamoxifen, amiodarone, prednisone, estrogens
TREATMENT: Modify risk factors. Weight loss should be gradual as rapid weight loss can worsen the liver injury. Identify and treat underlying causes (hypothyroid, meds, etc.). Preliminary studies have shown that metformin or pioglitazone may one day have a role in treatment, but their exact longterm benefit is not clear.
Click here for a 2002 NEJM Review article.
