Changing Landscape of Liver Cirrhosis Etiologies

Liver cirrhosis is a major public health problem worldwide. In Mexico, the increased prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study examines the current etiologies of cirrhosis in Mexico, highlighting regional and demographic differences.

We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study of 2182 patients with cirrhosis diagnosed between 2018 and 2024 in 13 tertiary care hospitals in northern, central, and southern Mexico. Demographic data, etiology, and complications were analyzed.

MASLD was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis (42.8%), followed by alcohol-related liver disease (ALD, 23.8%) and hepatitis C virus (HCV, 12.2%). MASLD was more common in older patients and women, while ALD was more frequent in younger patients and men. HCC was observed in 8.9% of patients, with a higher prevalence in the central region. The most common complications were portal hypertension (59.5%) and ascites (30.4%). Regional differences were observed, with a higher prevalence of MASLD in central and southern Mexico, while ALD was more prominent in the northern region.

This cross-sectional study underscores the changing etiologies of liver cirrhosis in Mexico, with MASLD emerging as the leading cause, particularly in older patients and women. Regional differences were evident, with ALD being more frequent in younger patients and in men, especially in the northern region.