Fatty liver disease 'does not increase risk of death'

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) does not affect the long-term survival of sufferers, as previously thought, according to new research.

Scientists at John Hopkins School of Medicine successfully used solid phase extraction data to assess enzyme and substrate levels associated with NAFLD in over 11,000 patients.

The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, show no increase in mortality among those diagnosed with NAFLD, which was identified in around 20 per cent of the participants.

Study leader Mariana Lazo explained that the data did not show NAFLD to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

"We were surprised to say the least because we expected to learn by how much non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increased the risk of death and instead found the answer was not at all," she added.

However, Ms Lazo indicated further research would be needed to determine if advanced variations of the condition pose more serious consequences.

Posted by Fiona Griffiths