MASLD and MASH: Early Identification to Decrease Associated Complications-Resources: References

Resources: References

Pdf Summary

The document focuses on the early identification and subsequent reduction of complications associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). MASLD and MASH, previously known as types of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are increasingly prevalent and pose significant risks for liver-related and cardiovascular complications. Key points addressed include the importance of early diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment strategies.<br /><br />**Key Highlights:**<br /><br />1. **Epidemiology:** MASLD and MASH have been noted as the most common forms of chronic liver disease, with a significant global prevalence, especially among individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes (Refs 2, 6, 26, 28).<br /><br />2. **Risk Factors and Associations:** These conditions are linked to a higher risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiovascular diseases (Refs 4, 10, 29). Insulin resistance, a hallmark of these diseases, further complicates their management (Ref 42).<br /><br />3. **Diagnosis:** Early diagnosis is crucial and can be achieved through non-invasive biomarkers, imaging techniques like transient elastography, and assessing liver stiffness and fat content (Refs 57, 60, 67, 72, 73). Liver biopsy remains the gold standard but is not always practical due to its invasiveness (Ref 56).<br /><br />4. **Management and Treatment:** Treatments include lifestyle interventions like diet modification (Mediterranean diet and low-carb diets), weight loss, and pharmacotherapy (Ref 78, 79). Emerging pharmacological treatments include GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and Vitamin E supplementation (Refs 82, 84, 86), though the efficacy and safety of these treatments continue to be studied.<br /><br />5. **Multidisciplinary Approach:** A comprehensive approach involving healthcare providers from different specialties can improve outcomes. This includes endocrinologists, hepatologists, nutritionists, and primary care providers working together to manage comorbid conditions (Refs 45, 53).<br /><br />6. **Education and Awareness:** There is a noted gap in knowledge and comfort among healthcare providers, particularly newly graduated medical professionals, in managing these conditions (Refs 32, 33). Continuous medical education and more pronounced liver-focused experiences in medical training are recommended.<br /><br />The document underscores the critical need for early detection and a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort to mitigate the health impacts of MASLD and MASH, emphasizing both clinical and educational interventions.

Keywords

MASLD

MASH

early diagnosis

risk factors

treatment strategies

nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

liver fibrosis

cardiovascular diseases

pharmacotherapy

multidisciplinary approach