Predictors of steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. The development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis increases the risk for cirrhosis and its complications. The gold standard for diagnosis is liver biopsy, the costs and risks of which make it impractical. Some demographic factors, blood tests, and imaging studies can be used to predict a higher risk of steatohepatitis or advanced fibrosis, but are of limited sensitivity and specificity. More accurate predictors and scoring systems would allow identifying who would benefit most from liver biopsy and monitor disease progression and response to therapy.