Identifying and Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Among At-Risk Veterans

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), an increasing public health concern, remains challenging to diagnose and risk-stratify. We assessed the (i) prevalence of MASLD risk factors among veterans in Veterans Health Administration (VA) care, (ii) factors associated with MASLD diagnosis, and (iii) associations between MASLD diagnosis and receipt of care.

Veterans with MASLD risk factors, including obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, were identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes and followed in 2019-2022. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-adjusted models identified demographic and clinical characteristics associated with a diagnosis of MASLD or cirrhosis and receipt of elastography, specialty care for liver disease, VA weight management (MOVE!) participation, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog prescriptions.

Among approximately 9 million veterans, 4,159,699 (45%) had risk factors for MASLD and were included in further analysis. MASLD or cirrhosis was diagnosed in 6% of the at-risk cohort. At-risk Veterans diagnosed with MASLD were younger with more metabolic risk factors, increased rates of alcohol use disorder, and higher FIB-4 scores and alanine transaminase values. Over 1-year follow-up, 6% engaged in MOVE!, 9% had specialty care for liver disease, 3% were prescribed GLP-1 analogs, and 2% underwent staging elastography. MASLD diagnosis was significantly associated with receipt of MOVE!, specialty care consultation, and GLP-1 analog prescription.

Few at-risk Veterans carried an MASLD diagnosis or had undergone staging elastography. Because MASLD diagnosis was associated with linkage to hepatology care and weight loss therapy services, implementation of population screening and management services for MASLD is critically needed.