Screening for MASLD is Cost-Effective for Patients
Emerging research continues to shape our understanding of liver health, from cost-effective screening for high-risk MASLD patients to alarming rates of steatosis among young adults without a prior history of fatty liver disease. In this issue, we explore recent findings that highlight the need for dietary changes, including the link between ultra-processed foods and metabolic disorders in children with obesity, as well as the benefits of increasing plain water intake can reduce mortality risk.
Reuters Pharma & Patient USA 2024
Last month, GLI’s VP of Liver Health Programs, Jeff McIntyre, attended the Reuters Pharma & Patient USA 2024 conference. Alongside Kim Kallsen from Boehringer Ingelheim, Jeff emphasized how to speed up and diversify clinical trials by collaborating with patient communities in the design process. This message resonated with the event’s core theme: The pharmaceutical industry must enhance engagement with patients and transform commitments into meaningful actions that prioritize their needs.
Tufts University Food & Nutrition Innovation Council
Jeff McIntyre also recently attended the Tufts University Food & Nutrition Innovation Council. At this event, he participated in discussions focused on the impact of food systems on chronic diseases while advocating for the needs of liver patients. This gathering provided a valuable platform for collaboration aimed at developing solutions to improve health outcomes for individuals affected by liver disease.
Patient Perspectives Highlighted at MOSAiC Trialist Think Tank
Last month, the MOSAiC Trialist Think Tank meeting featured a closing panel that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders for a multidisciplinary discussion on NASH/MASH. The panel included GLI’s VP of Liver Health Programs, Jeff McIntyre; Founder and CEO of Fatty Liver Alliance and LAN Chair Michael Betel; Wayne Eskridge and Henry Chang from the Fatty Liver Foundation (LAN member); and GLI A3 Alum Jennifer Berg, all representing valuable patient perspectives.
Emerging Insights
Screening for MASLD is Cost-Effective for Patients, Study Suggests
New research led by Dr. Zobair Younossi suggests that screening for high-risk MASLD using noninvasive tests in primary care is cost-effective, potentially reducing long-term healthcare expenses. The study found that while initial screening costs are higher, the long-term savings and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) benefits justify the investment, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance in Children with Obesity
A new study highlights the alarming link between ultra-processed food consumption and higher risks of metabolic disorders like MASLD and obesity in obese children and teens. The findings call for urgent action to improve dietary guidelines and curb the growing health crisis.
Steatosis Found in Over Half of Young Adults Without MASLD History
A study published in Obesity found that hepatic steatosis affected 52% of adults between 21 and 79 without history of MASLD. Researchers recommend that primary care and endocrinology teams screen all young adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular risk factors to prevent cirrhosis from MASLD.
Water Shown to Decrease Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals with NAFLD/MASLD
A new study reveals that higher plain water intake is linked to lower all-cause, cerebrovascular, and cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD/MASLD. Findings suggest that replacing sugary or artificial beverages with water may significantly reduce mortality risk in these patients.
Upcoming Events
- October 31 – November 2, 2024: NCQA Health Innovation Summit, Nashville, TN, USA
- November 7, 2024: The Galien Forum, New York City, NY, USA
- November 15-19, 2024: AASLD’s The Liver Meeting – San Diego, CA, USA
- Email us at info@globalliver.org to set up a meeting or visit Booth #846
- December 5, 2024: Third Annual Primary Care MASLD/MASH Summit – virtual, co-hosted by Fatty Liver Alliance and CanNASH
Join us at our next Fatty Liver Disease Council Meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2024. For more info, visit globalliver.org/fatty-liver-disease-council or email fattyliverdisease@globalliver.org.
