Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:
The term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been replaced by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), reflecting a shift towards recognising metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause rather than the absence of alcohol.
- This change helps remove the stigma tied to alcohol use and better directs focus to underlying metabolic issues and abnormal cholesterol.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:
- NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol involvement.
- It includes two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- NAFL: Characterized by fat buildup in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage. It typically doesn’t lead to liver complications but can cause liver enlargement and discomfort.
- NASH: This form includes both fat buildup and liver inflammation, which can lead to liver damage, fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue), and potentially cirrhosis, a condition that increases the risk of liver cancer.
MASLD :
- Metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause, while NAFLD only indicated the absence of alcohol use.
- MASLD affects 25% of people globally, with higher rates (50-70%) among those with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- MASLD Diagnosis: Non-Invasive Tests like FibroScan, MRI, ultrasound, and blood tests are used to diagnose MASLD.
