Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in News?
Recently, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has been emerging as a major public health concern in India.
About – MASLD is a metabolic liver disorder characterised by excessive fat accumulation in the liver.
Earlier termed as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
The new term highlights that the disease is a metabolic one, linked to factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Symptoms – It is often a silent disease with no symptoms in the early stages.
As it progresses, it can cause liver inflammation and long-term damage with the risk of liver failure and liver cancer.
Causes – It is caused bymetabolic dysfunction associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Vulnerable populations – Overweight or obese persons, People with Type 2 diabetes, Individuals with high blood pressure, Persons with high cholesterol levels, middle-aged and older adults and physically inactive or sedentary individuals.
ProgressionStages - Steatosis - It initially presents as simple steatosis, where fat accumulates in the liver without causing significant inflammation.
Steatohepatitis - The disease can progress to steatohepatitis, a more severe stage characterized by inflammation (MASH, formerly NASH) of the liver cells.
Fibrosis - This inflammation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, a process known as fibrosis.
Cirrhosis - As fibrosis becomes extensive, it can lead to cirrhosis, a late-stage condition where the liver is permanently scarred and unable to function properly.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)- At this point, the risk of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) becomes extremely high.
Diagnosis – Initial clues come from blood tests and liver function tests.
Imaging techniques like ultrasound and FibroScan help assess liver fat and fibrosis non-invasively.
Treatment – MASLD is a highly manageable disease, primarily through lifestyle changes, especially weight loss and regular physical activity.
Managing diabetes and high cholesterol is also essential.
