How can I effectively monitor disease progression in patients diagnosed with NAFLD during routine follow-up?

Monitor patients with NAFLD in primary care annually, assessing for signs of disease progression such as advanced liver disease, hypertension, obesity, and metabolic risk factors ¹.

Reassess the risk of advanced liver fibrosis every 3 years in low-risk individuals, without routine liver blood tests, and refer high-risk patients to a hepatology specialist for further assessment ¹.

Use non-invasive tests such as transient elastography (Fibroscan) or the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test to evaluate for advanced liver fibrosis, with a score of 10.51 or above indicating significant fibrosis ¹,².

In cases where non-invasive tests suggest advanced fibrosis, consider specialist investigations like liver biopsy or elastography, and monitor for progression or resolution of fibrosis during follow-up ¹,².

Reassess the person's risk factors, including metabolic profile and liver fibrosis status, at regular intervals, and adjust management accordingly ¹.