MAFLD vs. MASLD: a year in review.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Liver Disease Classification

Background:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has limitations in defining fatty liver disease driven by metabolic dysfunction.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed to better characterize this patient group.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was introduced in 2023, succeeding MAFLD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the similarities and differences between MAFLD and MASLD.
• To evaluate the impact of these classifications on epidemiology, diagnosis, stigma, and related liver diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence and literature.
• Comparative analysis of diagnostic criteria and implications.

Main Results:

• MAFLD criteria demonstrate good sensitivity and specificity in identifying at-risk individuals.
• MAFLD is considered a more globally generalizable and understandable term.
• The transition to MAFLD and MASLD represents an advance in understanding and managing fatty liver disease.

Conclusions:

• MAFLD and MASLD provide a more precise framework for fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction.
• These classifications facilitate a homogeneous patient cohort identification.
• They support holistic, patient-centered management strategies for improved health outcomes.