Newly diagnosed with NASLD and hemochromatosis

[Sunnyskies33]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone else here has both NAFLD (Ultrasound and fibroscan) and hemochromatosis (verified by gene testing and blood tests...very mild so far)? If so, does one contribute to the other or are they completely separate conditions. I'm planning to ask my specialist more about this on my next visit but I've seen a lot of knowledge on here and thought I'd ask.

Also, my fibroscan was 269 CAP score and 7.5. ALT and AST 31 and 32 (bilirubin and albumin were normal). Ultrasound showed fatty liver which was why fibroscan was done.

I have no symptoms. This was a finding based on an ultrasound done for a completely different reason.

My specialist thinks that these will reverse with weight loss, healthy diet and exercise. I have so far lost over 10% of my body weight and am less than 15 pounds from ideal weight. For anyone with similar situation or close... How long did it take for your fibroscan to get to normal range and how often does your doctor repeat the fibroscan?

Thanks!

[Sunnyskies33]

Sorry for the typo in the headline! NAFLD which my doctor calls the newer title MASLD but I'm not sure which is more commonly used. the 7.5 refers to the kPa score on the fibroscan.

[lusitania84]

I'm not real familiar with fibroscan results but just from reading about it, it sounds like yours is not to bad. So why Did they do a fibroscan if you weren't having any symptoms or any indication of advanced disease ? Are you located in Europe or America?

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to lusitania84]

They did the fibroscan because I had an abdominal ultrasound for an unrelated reason that showed the fatty liver. I am in the US.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to lusitania84]

The fibroscan shows what percent fatty change in your liver and gives an indication of level of scarring, if any.

[Pita123]

My doctor requested another fibroscan after 4 to 6 months. Also, not sure this would apply to you but I was on pain meds and supposedly they affected the results.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to Pita123]

I'm not on pain meds but that's good to know. Thanks.

[ToughToes]

Hi there,

I'm not sure if fatty liver and hemochromatosis are related; however, I too have fatty liver as detected by ultrasound, and recently had a fibroscan. My CAP score was almost the same as yours, 268, and the nurse performing the procedure said there was no scarring/fibrosis. I assume that the 7.5 you cited refers to the kPa? I don't know what my kPa is, as the nurse didn't say and i have yet to meet with the doctor who ordered the scan to discuss the results. Do you know whether a kPa of 7.5 indicates any fibrosis or not?

Thanks & good luck,

Terry

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to ToughToes]

It looks like 7.5 kPa is just over the line from normal range which ends around 7 for NAFLD. So a little scarring but should be reversible with diet and more exercise according to my specialist.

[nash2 Partner]

NAFLD and hemachromatosis are unrelated conditions, however, both can lead to liver scarring and, in a worst case, cirrhosis. Your fibrosis score is very low and will likely respond to the weight loss. Hemachromatosis is often treated by phlebotomies if dietary control isn't useful.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to nash2]

Thank you! I have a phlebotomy this week. Since my ferritin is not much over 100 I am hoping it will be maintenance soon.

[BonArr]

To help keep your iron down limit your intake of Vit C. Vit C caused the body to uptake iron. I also drink coffee or tea with each meal so I don't absorb as much iron. For example, don't use tomato sauce with meat for spaghetti. AVOID ALL ADDED IRON - this means anything that says ENRICHED...or ENRICHED wheat like bread, pasta, and anything with flour. SO everything has to be checked. You don't want any added iron you can't process causing it to build up. Not everyone can extended you reduce their numbers through blood draws. It wasn't recommended for me but helped my Father in Law. I eat things like sprouted grain bread but even with that I have to be careful. Corn tortillas usually are ok but you have to check or make your own. I was able to reduce my numbers to a normal liver function range and even reduced my cholesterol and blood sugars to normal after 30 years of elevated numbers. So yes - making life style changes permanent can help with where you are now liver wise. It requires diligence and some researching for yourself. You will be so happy to feel better and know you have improved your health and hopefully extended your life. It's like your check engine light is on - take care of the issue and you are good to go. Ignore it and your car will break down. Best Wishes! I know you can do this!

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to BonArr]

Thank you!