Table 4 Coded, physician-defined differences between NAFLD and NASH
Coded responses | PCPs n = 152 | Specialists n = 150 | P |
|---|---|---|---|
Generalized differences (NET) | 57 (38) | 10 (7) | <0.001 |
NASH is more severe than NAFLD | 33 (22) | 7 (5) | <0.001 |
General differences in fat deposition | 10 (7) | 1 (1) | 0.005 |
NASH characterized by a rise in liver enzymes | 19 (13) | 2 (1) | <0.001 |
Thought they were the same | 13 (9) | 0 (0) | <0.001 |
NASH associated with excess alcohol intake | 8 (5) | 3 (2) | 0.081 |
NAFLD involves no inflammation of the liver | 45 (30) | 101 (67) | <0.001 |
There is no rise in liver function tests associated with NAFLD, but there is with NASH | 15 (10) | 11 (7) | 0.432 |
Both NASH and NAFLD can be associated with a rise in liver function tests | 7 (5) | 5 (3) | 0.199 |
Increase of fat in the liver associated with both | 32 (21) | 41 (27) | 0.202 |
Histologic features (NET) | 24 (16) | 77 (51) | <0.001 |
NASH is diagnosed via a liver biopsy | 5 (3) | 21 (14) | <0.001 |
Presence of ballooning indicates NASH | 0 (0) | 10 (7) | <0.001 |
Differences in levels of fibrosis/scarring/cirrhosis indicates NASH | 19 (13) | 45 (30) | <0.001 |
NASH involves damage to the liver | 21 (14) | 17 (11) | 0.515 |
Not sure of the differences | 50 (33) | 2 (1) | <0.001 |