Method helps in the discovery of more severe cases of fat in the liver

Recently, based on studies related to the subject, a method capable of identifying more severe cases of hepatic steatosis – FIB-4 – was developed. The formula works like a calculator and, by inserting some data, it is possible to arrive at a pre-diagnosis.

It is based on four pieces of information that must be duly completed: Age, TGO (U/L), TGP (U/L) and Platelets (X1000/mm3). This calculator can be accessed from the website https://www.endodebate.com.br/calculadora-fib-4/. If the result is greater than 1.3, the situation should be better studied by the doctor, with the request of more specific exams.

According to endocrinologist Carlos Eduardo Barra Couri, the formula “it is a simple and valuable resource for us to better investigate who has a serious liver problem and sometimes has no symptoms, nor has any idea about it”. But one thing needs to be clear – nothing replaces a doctor’s assessment. It is even interesting that the formula is used under the supervision of your endocrinologist.

Hepatic steatosis is the term used to represent “the accumulation of fat in the liver caused, most of the time, by obesity. It may, however, have other causes, such as excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis, exposure of industrial workers to chemicals that are toxic to the liver (occupational exposure) and the use of anabolic steroids.”, reported Dr. Domingos Malerbi, an endocrinologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

The condition is very common across the world’s population. There are studies that indicate that about 30% of people have it, and in the case of type 2 diabetics, this condition reaches 80% of cases. In obese people, this estimate is equal.

According to Albert Einstein Hospital, more than two million new cases appear in Brazil every year.

“In the United States, steatosis has already become the second leading cause of liver cancer. Other than that, we know that its presence is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems.”, says endocrinologist Carlos Eduardo Barra Couri.

_{Image of a healthy liver and another with hepatic steatosis (Reproduction/site mdsaude)}

The main cause is related to eating habits and lack of physical exercise: “If people eat one meal a day at a fast-food restaurant, they might think they’re not doing any harm. However, if that meal equals at least a fifth of their daily calories, they are putting their livers at risk.”, says hepatologist Ani Kardashian.

She further informs that “Healthy livers contain a small amount of fat, usually less than 5%, and even a moderate increase in fat can lead to NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)”.

In general, the condition does not present symptoms, and the diagnosis occurs through abdominal imaging tests (Ultrasound, Tomography or MRI).

There is treatment from medicine, but the main recommendation is to change habits, such as healthy eating and physical exercise. Red meat and alcoholic beverages should be avoided, as well as milk, dairy, fried and processed foods. Fruits, vegetables and non-greasy foods are very welcome. Hepatic steatosis, if left untreated, can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer.

Featured photo: Liver represented in the human body. Playback/Blog Esadi