Disparities in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Prevalence, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and health disparities have been shown to influence disease burden.

Aim: In this review, we aim to characterize disparities in prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of MASLD, and to make recommendations for next steps to minimize these disparities.

Methods: Literature search on PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published before September 2, 2024.

Results: Relative to women and White populations, MASLD is more common in men and Hispanic populations and less common in Black populations. It is also more prevalent among those with lower SES. Noninvasive clinical scores may perform differently across groups, and screening practices vary both for initial disease and for progression to metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Women and Black and Hispanic patients suffer worse outcomes including rates of progression to MASH and mortality.

Conclusions: Health disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic factors impact multiple stages of care for patients with MASLD.