[NASH: new terminology and what else is new in 2020]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver conditions, from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially leading to fibrosis or cirrhosis.
• The nomenclature for fatty liver conditions is evolving, with a proposed alternative, metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), currently under debate.
• NAFLD exhibits significant epidemiological growth globally, including in Switzerland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the current understanding and management of NAFLD.
• To highlight the ongoing debate regarding the nomenclature of fatty liver diseases.
• To emphasize the epidemiological trends and future therapeutic prospects for NAFLD/NASH.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and expert consensus synthesis.
• Epidemiological data analysis.
• Discussion of current and emerging treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathology with increasing prevalence.
• The proposed MAFLD nomenclature is under discussion within the medical community.
• Current NAFLD management relies on lifestyle interventions and collaborative physician monitoring.

Conclusions:

• NAFLD/NASH management currently emphasizes lifestyle modifications and integrated care.
• New therapeutic agents for NAFLD/NASH are expected in the near future.
• The debate on NAFLD nomenclature highlights the evolving understanding of metabolic-related liver diseases.