Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - a procoagulant condition?

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with a number of extrahepatic comorbidities and considerable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which is possibly related to coagulation changes associated with metabolic syndrome. Coagulation disorders are common in patients with liver disease of any etiology, and here we review possible alterations in coagulation cascade specific to NAFLD. We discuss derangements in the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet abnormalities as possible culprits for altered coagulation and explore the significance of these changes for potential treatment targets.

Automated summary

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with various extrahepatic comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases, possibly due to coagulation changes related to metabolic syndrome. Coagulation disorders, including derangements in the coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet abnormalities, are common in liver disease patients, with potential significance for identifying treatment targets.