Clinical utility of the MAFLD definition

There is currently robust discussion regarding the newly proposed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) definition. [1] Eslam M. Newsome P.N. Sarin S.K. Anstee Q.M. Targher G. Romero-Gomez M. et al. A new definition for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: an international expert consensus statement. J Hepatol. 2020; 73: 202-209 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1489) Google Scholar As compared to its predecessor – non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MAFLD is a diagnosis of inclusion relying on a set of metabolic risk factors and the presence of hepatic steatosis. 2 Bianco C. Romeo S. Petta S. Long M.T. Valenti L. MAFLD vs NAFLD: let the contest begin!. Liver Int. 2020; 40: 2079-2081 Crossref PubMed Scopus (22) Google Scholar , 3 Tilg H. Targher G. NAFLD-related mortality: simple hepatic steatosis is not as 'benign' as thought. Gut. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323188 Crossref Scopus (13) Google Scholar , 4 Zheng K.I. Eslam M. George J. Zheng M.H. When a new definition overhauls perceptions of MAFLD related cirrhosis care. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2020; 9: 801-804 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar , 5 Zheng K.I. Fan J.G. Shi J.P. Wong V.W. Eslam M. George J. et al. From NAFLD to MAFLD: a "redefining" moment for fatty liver disease. Chin Med J (Engl). 2020; 133: 2271-2273 Crossref PubMed Scopus (70) Google Scholar There is evidence in epidemiology studies of discrepancies between the two definitions. 6 Huang J. Kumar R. Wang M. Zhu Y. Lin S. MAFLD criteria overlooks a number of patients with severe steatosis: is it clinically relevant?. J Hepatol. 2020; 73: 1265-1267 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (36) Google Scholar , 7 Wai-Sun Wong V. Lai-Hung Wong G. Woo J. Abrigo J.M. Ka-Man Chan C. She-Ting Shu S. et al. Impact of the new definition of metabolic associated fatty liver disease on the epidemiology of the disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/jcgh202010046 Crossref Google Scholar , 8 Yamamura S. Eslam M. Kawaguchi T. Tsutsumi T. Nakano D. Yoshinaga S. et al. MAFLD identifies patients with significant hepatic fibrosis better than NAFLD. Liver Int. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1111/liv14675 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar However, no studies have examined the two definitions in well-defined clinical cohorts. A new definition for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: An international expert consensus statementJournal of HepatologyVol. 73Issue 1PreviewThe exclusion of other chronic liver diseases including “excess” alcohol intake has until now been necessary to establish a diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, given our current understanding of the pathogenesis of MAFLD and its rising prevalence, “positive criteria” to diagnose the disease are required. In this work, a panel of international experts from 22 countries propose a new definition for the diagnosis of MAFLD that is both comprehensive and simple, and is independent of other liver diseases. Full-Text PDF MAFLD: A game changer redefining fatty liver disease for adults and childrenJournal of HepatologyVol. 74Issue 4PreviewWe thank Zheng et al.,1 Hegarty et al.,2 and Baffy3 for their interest in our work4,5 and acknowledging its multiple positive attributes. Full-Text PDF