Liver disease physicians are changing their approach to communicating about liver disease in response to rising case numbers.
The prevalence of the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease is predicted to increase continuously over the next quarter century. This expansion will put a huge strain on the healthcare system, with liver cancer cases expected to nearly double and the demand for liver transplants almost triple by 2050. These findings are part of research presented at the recently hosted The Liver Meeting. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
Rising rates of obesity and diabetes are thought to be responsible for the expected increase in the prevalence of the disease now known as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is a label recently updated by medical organizations around the world to reduce the stigma associated with obesity and diabetes. The former name is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, to better describe the common cause of this condition, which affects more than 30% of the world’s population.
Liver transplant trends
“With diabetes and obesity rates on the rise, MASLD is expected to become the leading reason for liver transplantation in the United States,” said Phuc Le, Ph.D., assistant professor and principal investigator at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Ta. In this study, a mathematical model was created to predict annual population trends and the incidence and progression of his MASLD. Currently, the most common cause of liver disease is his hepatitis C, followed by impairment from long-term alcohol consumption.
Le’s model predicts a 23% increase in MASLD among U.S. adults, affecting 27.8%. The proportion of adults will increase in 2020, rising to 34.3% by 2050. The most serious form of the disease is also expected to increase, resulting in almost twice as many liver cancers occurring each year, with 10,400 new cancers per year in 2020; This has increased to an estimated 19,300 cases. The need for liver transplants is expected to nearly triple by 2050, increasing from 1,700 cases in 2020 to 4,200 cases in 2050.
“Liver disease often progresses silently, with symptoms only appearing at an advanced stage. Raising awareness is essential to maximize opportunities to prevent liver complications.” , said AASLD President Nora Tello, MD, MPH, FAASLD. “Early detection and timely intervention can make a difference, which is why AASLD is dedicated to providing clinicians with the knowledge and skills they need to bring about improved health outcomes.”
Reference: “Predicting the Clinical Burden of NAFLD (MASLD) in U.S. Adults from 2020 to 2050: A Modeling Study,” by Phuc Le, November 11, 2023, Liver Conference: Abstract 2245-A.