The article emphasizes the need for collaborative care in managing MASLD to mitigate its progression and complications, highlighting the importance of a well-versed multidisciplinary team in addressing this complex and prevalent disease.
Growing Need for Hepatology Providers: There is a predicted shortage of hepatology providers, with an estimated 10% shortage in 2023, increasing to 35% by 2033. This shortage is concerning given the rising prevalence of MASLD, which affects 35% of the North American population.
Clinical Burden of MASLD: MASLD, particularly its more dangerous form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is rapidly growing as an indication for liver transplantation. It is the leading underlying liver disease in women, older patients, and those with hepatocellular carcinoma awaiting liver transplantation.
Multidisciplinary Approach for Management: Due to the limited number of specialized hepatology providers, it’s crucial to involve gastroenterologists and other experts in metabolic disease management, such as primary care providers, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and dieticians. These professionals need to be knowledgeable in liver disease evaluation and management to effectively screen and treat patients with MASLD.
Importance of Comprehensive Care: MASLD, now recognized as a metabolic syndrome-related disorder, requires a multidisciplinary approach similar to other metabolic disorders like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Providers across various specialties need to understand the nuances of liver disease to tailor their treatments for improving overall metabolic health, including liver health.