Prevalence and association of metabolism-associated steatotic liver disease across age groups and gender

Background and aim: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) marks a fundamental advancement in understanding hepatic steatosis within the context of metabolic dysfunction. It evolved from the previous term, “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” (NAFLD). MASLD specifically includes hepatic steatosis with metabolic risk factors, excluding legacy NAFLD subtypes, thus enabling a more precise characterisation of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MASLD across diverse age and gender groups, focusing on metabolic factors contributing to the condition. Methods and results: In this cross-sectional study, 338 patients with metabolic disorders were recruited from the Department of Internal Medicine outpatient ambulatory in Palermo, Italy. Data collection involved comprehensive anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessments, laboratory analyses and abdominal echography. Liver stiffness was measured through 2-D shear wave elastosonography. The study found MASLD to be more prevalent in older male patients, with central obesity (OR 2.44, 95 % CI 1.37–4.34) (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI 1.09–1.24) as significant predictors. While age was not significantly associated with MASLD, central obesity and male gender increased risk. Conclusions: MASLD prevalence is influenced by gender, central obesity, and BMI. The strong correlation between MASLD and central obesity underscores an urgent need for targeted interventions focusing on lifestyle modification and weight management.