Clinical and Molecular Hepatology最新文献

Background: Recently, the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver (KASL) introduced a noninvasive test (NIT)-based approach that uses the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify high-risk patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this study, the KASL two-step approach was validated by assessing the risk of liver-related event (LRE) development.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 8,131 patients with MASLD who underwent VCTE between 2012 and 2020. The index date was defined as the date of the VCTE measurement. Using the KASL two-step approach (FIB-4 index and subsequent VCTE), patients were stratified into four groups (low-, intermediate-low-, intermediate-high-, and high-risk groups). Outcomes, including LREs such as decompensation (DCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were evaluated.

Results: During the follow-up (median 46.6 months), 86 (1.1%) patients developed LREs (39 [0.5%] with DCC and 47 [0.6%] with HCC). The KASL two-step approach classified 67.6%, 17.7%, 5.7% and 9.0% of patients in the low-, intermediate-low-, intermediate-high-, and high-risk groups, respectively. The cumulative incidences of LREs increased proportionally according to risk stratification (0.07%, 0.10%, 0.29%, and 1.51% at 3 years and 0.35%, 0.26%, 1.94% and 5.46% at 5 years). The overall accuracy in predicting LREs ranged from 67.7-99.8%. The FIB-4 index and subsequent Agile3+, Agile 4, or FibroScan aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) scores showed similar predictive abilities compared to the KASL approach.

Conclusion: The KASL two-step approach is an effective and practical method for risk stratification in patients with MASLD, optimizing patient care through early identification of high-risk individuals.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common liver disease in Western countries and has emerged as the leading indication for liver transplantation. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more advanced stage, carries a high risk of progression to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Until recently, lifestyle intervention remained the mainstay of MASH management, with no pharmacological treatments specifically approved. However, advances in understanding its pathophysiological mechanisms have fueled numerous clinical trials, culminating in the FDA's approval of resmetirom as the first treatment for MASH in 2024. Additionally, many investigational drugs are nearing FDA approval or progressing through late-stage clinical trials. This review examines the current therapeutic landscape, highlights strategies for identifying patients suitable for liver-directed therapies in real-world settings, and discusses the challenges that remain.

Kidney disease in cirrhosis is now viewed as a continuum encompassing acute kidney injury (AKI), acute kidney disease (AKD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), rather than three different disorders. Contemporary diagnostic criteria for AKI integrate urine output parameters and acknowledge the intricate relationship and possibility of overlap between functional and structural as well as acute and chronic entities, including hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). AKI demonstrates a propensity for progression to AKD and CKD, particularly in the context of recurrent and severe insults. The diagnostic complexity is further compounded by limitations in serum creatinine (Scr.) measurements, prompting the integration of novel biomarkers and the need to accurately estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The diagnosis, phenotyping, and management of acute kidney injury should be prompt and early, the initial step should always be volume and urine output assessment, a personalized approach is needed and the possibility of co-existing structural or functional kidney disease should be borne in mind. The earlier concept of waiting for 48 hours to diagnose HRS has evolved and early diagnosis and prompt treatment are advised now. Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation may be required in resistant cases.