Preparing for the NASH Epidemic: A Call to Action

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represent a growing global health challenge.
• Current clinical practice shows significant discrepancies with established management guidelines for NAFLD and NASH.
• A lack of a unified global strategy complicates the effective management of these conditions.

Framework:

• An international conference convened 32 experts from gastroenterology, hepatology, endocrinology, and primary care.
• The conference was informed by a national NASH Needs Assessment Survey.
• A comprehensive review of global burden, screening, risk stratification, diagnosis, and management of NAFLD/NASH was conducted.

Implementation:

• Development of a unified strategy for comprehensive NAFLD/NASH care.
• The strategy targets primary care providers and relevant specialists.
• Identification of high-yield areas for future clinical research.

Implications:

• Aims to bridge the gap between NAFLD/NASH guidelines and clinical practice.
• Promotes a standardized approach to managing NAFLD and NASH globally.
• Calls for an international public health initiative to address the rising burden of NAFLD and NASH.