The Difference Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
NAFLD is a spectrum that ranges from steatosis to NASH. NASH is the most extreme form of NAFLD and is regarded as a major cause of cirrhosis.
“The histologic spectrum of NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis.” Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Oct; 8(10): 661–668.
About 30% of the U.S. population has NAFLD and 5% has NASH. These rates are even higher in people with diabetes or obesity. About 2/3 rds of patients over 50 years who have diabetes or obesity are thought to have NASH. Of those who develop NASH, 20% or more will develop cirrhosis, and 1% to 5% will develop hepatocellular carcinoma.
References
Am Fam Physician. 2016 Dec 15;94(12):980-986. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1215/p980.html
Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Oct; 8(10): 661–668. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3969008/