Letter to the Editor
Thrombocytopenia, NAFLD, and Metabolic Syndrome: Is There a Link?
Abstract
To the Editor:
We read with great interest the article by Bell examining the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and each of the following: metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.1 We congratulate the author on clarifying these associations and agree that NAFLD should be regarded at present as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, not only the metabolic syndrome per se, but also some of its components were shown to represent independent risk factors for the development of NAFLD.1,2 NAFLD represents an important health hazard as it has been shown to progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. While thrombocytopenia is known to accompany liver cirrhosis with or without liver failure and/or coagulopathy, a causal relationship between NAFLD and thrombocytopenia has not been established to date.
This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.