Combating the NASH Epidemic
Liver diseases can be prevented in most cases be it alcohol induced liver complications, fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B or C.
Did you know that liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths globally and third common cancer related death in India? Around 2.5 lakh people die every year due to liver failure caused by alcohol consumption, fatty liver, viral infections like Hepatitis B, C and genetic disorder.
However, while majority of liver failure cases can be rectified through transplants, many fail due to lack of awareness and negligence in the initial stages. Liver diseases can be prevented in most cases — be it alcohol induced liver complications, fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B or C. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and timely referral to a specialist are key for success.
The New Drug
The ‘real prize’ in the market today, as being popularised now, is the new drug in the pipeline for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, (NASH).
With the growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions in India, it is worth debating whether these new drugs are just a ‘quick fix’ solution for individuals who actually need to modify their lifestyle and dietary habits diligently! Either way, in the day and age of immediate solutions and breakthrough treatments, the new treatment for NASH is a game changer.
Now, a NASH diagnosis does not necessarily require a gruesome liver biopsy. Fibroscans, which are non-invasive devices, utilize transient elastrography to detect and quantify steatosis. By merely placing an ultrasound probe on the right lower chest wall of a patient, and by pressing a button, the probe sends a shear wave in to the liver and detects the stiffness of the liver.
Reaching out
In an effort to provide an international venue to promote greater understanding of the Indian and the US healthcare delivery system of NASH, a one of a kind Liver Symposium was recently hosted in Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad between March 24 and 26, reaching over 350 health practitioners.
What needs to be done now with the ongoing clinical studies for various NASH drugs, is to simply wait and watch which drug can deliver superior results to drive optimal patient care.