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Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a year in review
Jawaher Alharthi1,2, Amalia Gastaldelli3, Ian Homer Cua4
1Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology
|February 10, 2022
Summary
The new definition of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) offers superior identification of high-risk patients compared to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This change improves disease awareness and patient-centered care for fatty liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fatty liver disease diagnosis and management have evolved significantly.
- The traditional nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) criteria have limitations in identifying at-risk populations.
- A 2020 international expert panel proposed a comprehensive redefinition of fatty liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of the 2020 redefinition of fatty liver disease.
- To explore evidence on the new definition's effect on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical trials.
- To compare the effectiveness of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) criteria against NAFLD criteria.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of MAFLD versus NAFLD diagnostic criteria.
- Review of recent scientific literature and clinical data.
- Assessment of MAFLD's utility in identifying high-risk patients and complications.
Main Results:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) criteria demonstrate superior utility over NAFLD criteria.
- MAFLD effectively identifies patients at high risk for metabolic dysfunction and associated hepatic/extra-hepatic complications.
- The MAFLD definition has enhanced disease awareness among patients and healthcare providers.
- MAFLD criteria aid in identifying patients who would benefit from genetic testing, including those with co-existing liver diseases.
Conclusions:
- The transformation from NAFLD to MAFLD signifies progress towards a more patient-centered approach.
- The MAFLD definition has the potential to positively influence the diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver disease.
- The name change has increased public attention and awareness of this underappreciated disease.
- MAFLD offers a more precise framework for understanding and managing fatty liver disease.
