How should the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) be assessed, how should patients be monitored, and when should adjunctive therapy be considered? | Medycyna Faktow (J EBM)

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Published: Oct 20, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0226.1

Keywords:

MASLD, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia

Paweł Rajewski

1. Oddział Internistyczno-Zakaźny, Wojewódzki Szpital Obserwacyjno-Zakaźny, Bydgoszcz. 2. Wyższa Szkoła Nauk o Zdrowiu, Bydgoszcz

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, a leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation in developed countries, and a significant cardiovascular risk factor. It affects approximately 30% of the adult population and approximately 10% of the pediatric population. These figures may be underestimated due to the long-term asymptomatic or mild course of the disease, the lack of nationwide screening for MASLD in patients with risk factors, and low awareness among both patients and physicians. According to forecasts, this number could double by 2030 due to the growing obesity epidemic and the associated development of other weight-related metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, and hypertension. The basis for the prevention and treatment of MASLD is lifestyle modification – weight loss through diet and regular physical activity, as well as modern pharmacotherapy for obesity. In patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis at stage F2–F3, the use of registered targeted treatment for steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, as well as treatment aimed at reducing cardiometabolic factors – diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. This article presents current diagnostic and pharmacological algorithms for MASLD in the context of everyday primary care physician practice.

How to Cite

Rajewski, P. (2026). How should the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) be assessed, how should patients be monitored, and when should adjunctive therapy be considered?. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 19(2(71), 142-150. https://doi.org/10.24292/01.MF.0226.1

Issue

Vol 19 No 2(71) (2026)

Section

Articles

Copyright by Medical Education. All rights reserved.

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