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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Stay ahead of NAFLD to prevent liver disease progression

High rates of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome have led to an increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), putting these patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and end-stage liver disease. 

Because NAFLD can progress with nonspecific symptoms, patients may not know they have it. With the Quest NAFLD testing portfolio, you can identify patients at risk of progressing to NASH and liver fibrosis.

Defining the intersection of chronic conditions:
a prevention-focused approach to cardiometabolic disease

With more people at risk for cardiovascular disease than ever before, the Quest Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence™ at Cleveland HeartLab® is advancing a prevention-focused approach for heart disease and associated metabolic conditions.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Through significant investments in novel technology, the Cleveland HeartLab is fostering innovation to detect these conditions in their early stages, providing the opportunity for stage-targeted intervention and improved clinical outcomes. 

  • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for individuals who have T2DM,4 stage 4-5 CKD,5 and NAFLD6
  • Those who have T2DM have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease.7
  • Nearly 40% of persons who have diabetes and more than 30% of those who have hypertension also have CKD.8 The leading causes of end-stage renal disease are diabetes and hypertension.9
  • More than 75% of those who have T2DM have NAFLD.10

 

Range of testing for NAFLD

FIB-4 Index Panels and Reflex 
ELF Score
NAFLD Fibrosis Score

Access to medical experts

We are committed to helping you deliver the best possible care to your patients. That’s why Quest Diagnostics has over 600 MDs, PhDs, and genetic counselors across the country who are available for consultations to help advise you on test selection and results interpretation.

Quanum® electronic health record

Spend more time with patients and less time clicking with our cloud-based EHR that offers dynamic and secure access to patient information anytime, anywhere. This powerful and fully mobile solution lets you easily manage labs, prescribe electronically, submit prior authorizations, and do so much more—right from the record.

Comprehensive range of testing

With Quest on your side, you get access to more than 3,500 tests, ranging from routine screening to highly specialized testing, including molecular genetics and esoteric tests. Beyond testing, we offer a broad array of integrated healthcare information services that deliver the insights you need to optimize patient diagnosis, treatment, and management.

Better patient experience

Quest is committed to helping you and your patients work together toward better health. Our 2,250 Patient Service Centers make it easy for your patients to get the tests they need at the times and places that are most convenient for them, and with online appointment scheduling, patients can schedule appointments 24/7. 

This information is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. A physician’s test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on his/her education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.

 

References

  1. Riazi K, Azhari H, Charette JH, et al. The prevalence and incidence of NAFLD worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2022;7(9):851-861. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(22)00165-0
  2. Younossi ZM, Golabi P, de Avila L, et al. The global epidemiology of NAFLD and NASH in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hepatol. 2019;71(4):793-801. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.021
  3. Burra P, Becchetti C, Germani G. NAFLD and liver transplantation: disease burden, current management and future challenges. Accessed March 6, 2023. JHEP Reports. doi:10.1016/ j.jhepr.2020.100192
  4. Einarson,TR, Acs A, Ludwig C, et al. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: a systematic literature review of scientific evidence from across the world in 2007-2017. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2018;17(83). doi:10.1186/s12922-018-0728-6
  5. Benjamin EJ, Virani SS, Callaway CW, et al. On behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics 2018 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2018;137(12):e67-e492. doi:10.1161/ CIR.0000000000000558
  6. Golabi P, Fukui N, Paik J, et al. Mortality risk detected by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Commun. 2019;3(8):1050-1060. doi:10.1002/hep4.1387
  7. Fox CS, Sullivan L, D’Agostino R, et al. The significant effect of diabetes duration on coronary heart disease mortality: the Framingham heart study. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(3):704-708. doi:10.2337/diacare.27.3.704 
  8. Penn MS, Klemes AB. Multimarker approach for identifying and documenting mitigation of cardiovascular risk. Future Cardiol. 2013;9(4):497-506. doi:10.2217/fca.13.27 
  9. Ikonomidis I, Mihalakeas CA, Lekakis J, et al. Multimarker approach in cardiovascular risk prediction. Dis Markers. 2009;26(5-6):273-285. doi:10.3233/DMA-2009-0633 
  10. Richard J, Lingvay I. Hepatic steatosis and type 2 diabetes: current and future treatment considerations. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2011; 9(3): 321–328. doi:10.1586/erc.11.15  

Questions?

Please talk to your Quest account representative for ordering information on our NAFLD testing solutions

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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Resources
AACE recommendations for the diagnosis and management of NAFLD
Intact fasting insulin identifies nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients without diabetes
NASH and oxLDL clinical overview

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