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Table 5 Coded, physician-defined difference between NASH and NAFLD based on PCP familiarity with the NAFLD and NASH differences

From: Awareness of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and associated practice patterns of primary care physicians and specialists

Coded responses

Unfamiliar PCPs

n = 73

Familiar PCPs

n = 79

P

Generalized differences (NET)

22 (30)

35 (44)

0.071

 NASH is more severe than NAFLD

11 (15)

22 (28)

0.076

 General differences in fat deposition

2 (3)

8 (10)

0.051

 NASH characterized by a rise in liver enzymes

10 (14)

8 (10)

0.496

Thought they were the same

13 (18)

0 (0)

<0.001

NASH is associated with excess alcohol intake

3 (4)

5 (6)

0.239

NAFLD involves no inflammation of the liver

11 (15)

34 (43)

<0.001

Rise in liver function tests is associated with NASH and not NAFLD

6 (8)

9 (11)

0.512

Rise in liver function tests is associated with both NASH and NAFLD

2 (3)

5 (6)

0.183

Increase of fat in the liver associated with both

5 (7)

27 (34)

<0.001

Histologic features (NET)

3 (4)

21 (27)

<0.001

 NASH is diagnosed via a liver biopsy

0 (0)

5 (6)

0.036

 Presence of ballooning indicates NASH

0 (0)

0 (0)

N/A

 Differences in levels of fibrosis/scarring/cirrhosis indicates NASH

3 (4)

16 (20)

0.002

NASH involves damage to the liver

4 (6)

17 (22)

0.003

Not sure of the differences

45 (62)

5 (6)

<0.001

  1. Numbers indicate the number of respondents (percentage of total respondents)
  2. Physician may have responded with more than one coded response