Fatty Liver Alliance’s Post

The response to Professor Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc's presentation at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Precision Medicine Conference this past weekend was so overwhelmingly positive, that we wrote a blog and shared more of the 'bigger picture' from his presentation (with a few journal references). In today’s blog, we summarize the key takeaways: 1. Precision Medicine's Role in MASH 2. Importance of Addressing Fibrosis 3. Combination Therapies Potential 4. Treatment Approaches In today’s blog, we share the commentary on: Efruxifermin (FGF21 Agonist) Resmetirom (Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta Agonist) Lanifibrinor (Pan-PPAR Agonist) "We need to address fibrosis and to us as hepatologists it's taking a priority here, especially that we're going to be the front line for F3 patients who you're going to try to save. In addition, we have a lot of cirrhotics and this is an epidemic, so we need to keep our eyes laser focused on fibrosis, but MASH resolution is also important. At the same time, we need to address obesity, we need to address metabolic syndrome, we need to address cardiovascular disease." American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), EASL | The Home of Hepatology, Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, Global NASH Council, Global Liver Institute

Let's take a moment and revisit this very recent paper, "Monitoring Resmetirom in Patients with MASH/NASH" by Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, Michael R. Charlton, Stephen A. Harrison, Meena Bansal, Naim Alkhouri, MD, FAASLD , Rohit Loomba, Arun Sanyal, and Maru/Mary Rinella. Open Access: Published: July 20, 2024: DOI: https://lnkd.in/gMKyNXXU. This blog summarizes the authors' recommendations about: 1. Patient Selection and Diagnosis: 2. Use of Non-Invasive Tests (NITs) 3. Treatment Monitoring and Response 4. Avoidance of Misclassification 5. Composite Scores and Advanced NITs 6. Long-Term Monitoring Patients may benefit from these recommendations in several ways 1. Accurate Diagnosis and Appropriate Treatment 2. Effective Monitoring and Improved Outcomes 3. Reduced Misclassification and Enhanced Safety 4. Comprehensive Patient Care 5. Education and Patient Engagement Overall, these recommendations aim to provide a structured and evidence-based approach to diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients with MASH, ensuring they receive the most effective and safe care possible. EASL | The Home of Hepatology, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, Global NASH Council, Global Liver Institute, European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, LPI LIVER PATIENTS INTERNATIONAL https://lnkd.in/gpyHWMwT

Here is a MASLD (NAFLD/fatty liver disease) case study you have to watch! Professor Manal Abdelmalek, Hepatologist does a brilliant job presenting a case to her interdisciplinary colleagues. The discussion is incredible, as are the insights you will gain. Join Professor Kenneth Cusi, Endocrinologist (Kenny Cusi),and Dr. Joshua Juan, Primary Care Physician, as they discuss the case of a patient, Jorge, 55 years old who has multiple co-morbidities, including Type-2 Diabetes, Hypertension, obesity and Hyperlipidemia, who currently is feeling well. Dr. Alnoor Ramji, Hepatologist moderates and patient Kerry Sivia joins in for the Q & A. 1. Multidisciplinary Approach: The discussion emphasized the importance of a team approach involving primary care, endocrinology, hepatology, and nutrition to manage complex patient cases like Jorge's. It highlighted the need for comprehensive care beyond a single specialty to address the multifaceted aspects of metabolic syndrome and related complications. 2. Importance of Lifestyle Modifications and Patient Motivation: Despite medical interventions, the significance of lifestyle changes was underscored, alongside the challenge of motivating patients. Strategies to motivate patients, such as focusing on family, quality of life, and leveraging a patient's personal values and goals, were discussed as critical for managing chronic conditions effectively. 3. Role of Advanced Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools: The conversation highlighted the utility of diagnostic tools like FibroScan and the importance of monitoring biomarkers such as hemoglobin A1c, liver enzymes, and fibrosis scores. It stressed that these tools should guide clinical decisions, including when to escalate care to specialists or consider treatments like bariatric surgery or clinical trials for advanced therapies. 4. Complexity of Managing Comorbid Conditions: The case illustrated the complexity of managing comorbid conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), stressing the need for careful consideration of medication choices, potential side effects, and interactions. The discussion pointed out the challenges in balancing glucose control with the risk of weight gain and the potential for liver disease progression. 5. Preventative Care and Early Intervention: Finally, the importance of preventative care and early intervention was highlighted, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring, early referral to specialists when necessary, and consideration of patient history and risk factors for more severe conditions like cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease. Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, EASL | The Home of Hepatology, MCI, Global Liver Institute, Canadian Family Physician, The The College of Family Physicians of Canada  #masld

Part 3/10 of "Liver Insights: Illuminating the Path Through MASLD & MASH" will help prepare patients for their discussions about MASLD and MASH with their healthcare providers. Dr. Supriya Joshi, Hepatologist at Credit Valley Hospital, Chair of the Fatty Liver Alliance Medical Advisory Committee, and Instagram influencer, discusses with Michael Betel. 1. Combating Stigma and Promoting Open Dialogue: Dr. Joshi underscores the critical need to dismantle the negative stereotypes surrounding liver disease, advocating for a culture of open and honest dialogue between patients and healthcare providers. This strategy is designed to empower patients, allowing them to discuss their health openly without the fear of being judged, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it effectively. 2. Expanding Awareness of Liver Disease Varieties: Dr. Joshi points out the extensive range of liver diseases that go beyond the commonly perceived alcohol-related or infectious diseases. She particularly highlights metabolic liver diseases and the significant role of insulin resistance in these conditions. By educating patients on the wide spectrum of liver diseases and their interconnection with metabolic syndromes, Dr. Joshi aims to enhance patient knowledge and encourage proactive disease management. 3. Emphasizing the Role of Lifestyle in Disease Management: Central to Dr. Joshi's discussion is the impact of lifestyle modifications on combating liver disease. She provides guidance on the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and the supplementation of vitamins such as vitamin D, to not just target liver health directly but to also improve overall physical well-being. This holistic approach not only aims at addressing the liver condition at hand but also offers a positive and hopeful perspective for patients, outlining actionable steps towards a healthier life. Thank you Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and Regeneron for the unrestricted grant that helped make this patient education series a reality, and a special thank you to all the presenters who shared their wealth of knowledge and experience! American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, EASL | The Home of Hepatology, Global NASH Council, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Cheryl Dale RN(EC) MScN AF-AASLD, Mark Donnison, EMBA, Philippe Garneau, Hsiao-Ming Jung, European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, Global Liver Institute, Tawazun Health, Surfing MASH, Arizona Liver Health, Summit Clinical Research, Aegle Medical, LiverScan Direct, Livera Health, Fatty Liver Foundation, NASH kNOWledge, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FDA, Canadian Institutes of Health Research | Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada, Novo Nordisk, Academic Medical Education, Medscape Education, Inventiva Pharma

This is the first of 10 'patient focused' videos discussing Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a term that has evolved from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to more accurately reflect the disease's nature and its association with metabolic conditions. Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion with Dr. Sonal Kumar, Hepatologist, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine and Michael Betel, President and Founder of Fatty Liver Alliance. 1. MASLD Definition and Importance: MASLD stands for Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. This newer terminology better captures the disease's essence as it relates to metabolic dysfunction and the accumulation of fat in the liver accompanied by at least one other metabolic condition, such as diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol. 2. Risk Factors and Progression: Individuals at higher risk for MASLD include those with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of MASLD or cirrhosis, and certain genetic predispositions. The disease spectrum ranges from simple steatosis to more severe stages like steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis. Key progression markers are the presence of inflammation, damage to liver cells, and the development of scar tissue. 3. Reversibility and Management: MASLD is considered reversible up to the point of cirrhosis. Management focuses on weight loss, controlling metabolic conditions, and potentially medications (once approved for MASLD). This approach can reverse liver damage caused by fat deposition and inflammation. 4. Importance of Awareness and Screening: Increased awareness and screening, especially among individuals with metabolic conditions like diabetes, are crucial for early detection and management of MASLD. Patients are encouraged to discuss potential risks with their doctors, particularly if they have multiple metabolic risk factors. The discussion emphasizes the broad spectrum of MASLD, its close ties to metabolic health, the potential for reversibility with proper management, and the importance of patient education and proactive health care to prevent progression to irreversible stages. A huge thank you to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and Regeneron for an unrestricted grant that helped make this series a reality. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)EASL | The Home of HepatologyCanadian Association for the Study of the Liver Global NASH Council Global Liver Institute European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Surfing MASH Medscape Education Medscape

In today's fireside chat , Michael Betel, President and Founder of the Fatty Liver Alliance, and Professor Giada Sebastiani, Hepatologist at McGill University, explore the comprehensive management of fatty liver disease, now termed MASLD, and reflect on her recently published perspective paper, "Integrating behavioral interventions into a holistic approach to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease". https://lnkd.in/gW2C5v4j Giada Sebastiani emphasized the necessity of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to treating MASLD, acknowledging the complexity of the disease that affects multiple systems beyond the liver. She highlighted the recent approval of Rezdiffra for treating MASH in the U.S., which should be complemented with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Dr. Sebastiani underscored that while pharmacological solutions are crucial, they must be integrated with behavioral interventions and lifestyle modifications to be truly effective. Here are the three key takeaways from the discussion: 1. Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approach: Effective management of MASLD requires a comprehensive approach that integrates pharmacological treatments with lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions. Addressing the disease's multifaceted nature, which affects multiple systems beyond the liver, is essential for improving patient outcomes. 2. Early Intervention and Personalized Care: Early intervention targeting upstream issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and eating disorders is crucial in preventing the progression of MASLD. Personalized care tailored to individual patient characteristics enhances the effectiveness of treatment and promotes better health outcomes. 3. Patient Education and Advocacy: Empowering patients with knowledge about MASLD and available treatment options is vital for enabling informed decision-making and encouraging early diagnosis and intervention. Increased awareness and advocacy efforts are essential for improving the management of MASLD and supporting affected individuals. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), EASL the home of Hepatology, Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, Global NASH Council, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Jonathan G. Stine, MD MSc, FACP, Surfing MASH, Sahar Saeed, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Manal Abdelmalek, European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, LPI LIVER PATIENTS INTERNATIONAL

Drs. Mark Swain (Hepatologist), Kenneth Cusi/Kenny Cusi (Endocrinologist), Hsiao-Ming Jung (Primary Care) and Michael Betel (President and Founder of Fatty Liver Alliance) have a very engaging and informative discussion about referral and collaboration in this panel discussion from the NAFLD and NASH Primary Care Summit. A multi-disciplinary team is critical now more than ever, for patients who have MASLD and MASH. What are the Indications for referral to a specialist? What is the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient care? In this 'Referral and Collaboration Panel Discussion' experts emphasized the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach for managing MASLD and MASH patients. Dr. Mark Swain, President of Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, and his colleagues highlighted the need for collaborative care with the patient at the center, recognizing the complexity of cases involving multiple comorbidities. They stressed the necessity of a team approach for a holistic and effective treatment strategy. Key points discussed include the need for primary care physicians to seek specialist assistance, the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The panel also touched on public health issues, the accessibility of treatments like the GLP-1 drug, and dietary challenges. A major takeaway for primary care providers is the use of FIB-4 for assessing liver disease risk, enabling a comprehensive and focused approach to patient care. Canadian Nurses Association, European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), EASL | The Home of Hepatology, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA, Global Liver Institute, Mark Donnison, EMBA, Philippe Garneau, Supriya Joshi, Cheryl Dale RN(EC) MScN AF-AASLD, The College of Family Physicians of Canada

Global estimates of fatty liver disease (MASLD) exceed 38%, and this epidemic needs to be addressed with urgency. Jeffrey V. Lazarus et al., in this article, 'Turning the Tide on MASLD and MASH' (published in Hepatology), discuss an action plan to address this global epidemic. It won't be easy, but we need to work together and we need to start now. "Critically, implementing these actions will require a fundamental shift in the liver field from a narrow focus on hepatology to a more comprehensive approach that includes various stakeholders from different medical specializations, such as endocrinology, primary care, and cardiology, alongside public health experts, social scientists, policymakers and governments, pharmaceutical and device industries, patient advocates, and, most importantly, patients themselves." The top calls to action, based on their relevance to improving patient care and outcomes, include: * Collaboration between liver specialists and primary care * Addressing the needs of people with multiple morbidities * Incorporating fatty liver disease into existing NCD strategies and guidelines * Developing and implementing patient-centered models of care * Enhancing education and awareness * Promoting standardization of data collection * Implementing community-tailored models of care * Developing tools * Advocating for and establishing a global coalition * Engaging with health system decision-makers EASL | The Home of Hepatology, Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses, European Liver Patients' Association - ELPA #liverhealth #masld #mash Alina M. Allen, Zobair Younossi, Aleksander Krag, Juan Pablo Arab, Quentin M. Anstee, Sven Francque, Naim Alkhouri, Mazen Noureddin, MD, MHSc, Christopher Kopka, Philip Newsome, Maru/Mary Rinella, Prof. Shira Zelber Sagi, Jörn M. Schattenberg, Diana Romero, Vincent Wong, marcelo silva Original paper: Hepatology 79(2):p 502-523, February 2024. | https://lnkd.in/g7pXzfF5

Ultrasound derivied fat fraction can help Dr.’s quantify fat in the liver. It’s an easy test that can be done with the push of a button. #helpushelpyou #seimenshealthineers #UDFF

Short and informative article explaining the renaming of NAFLD and NASH