Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes of Metabolic (Dysfunction)-associated Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease and affects at least a quarter of the global adult population. It has rapidly become one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in Western countries. In this review, we discuss the nomenclature and definition of MAFLD as well as its prevalence and incidence in different geographical regions. Although cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in MAFLD patients, the proportion of patients dying from hepatic complications increases sharply as the disease progresses to advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, patients with MAFLD are at increased risk of various extrahepatic cancers. Although a causal relationship between MAFLD and extrahepatic cancers has not been established, clinicians should recognize the association and consider cancer screening (e.g., for colorectal cancer) as appropriate.

Automated summary

MAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease affecting a significant portion of the global adult population, with the potential to lead to complications such as cirrhosis and cancer. While cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in patients, the proportion of deaths from hepatic complications increases as the disease progresses. Additionally, patients with MAFLD are at increased risk of extrahepatic cancers, though a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established.