Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This thesis investigates the prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, and clinical consequences of MASLD across several high-risk populations, including individuals with severe obesity, cardiometabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and elderly patients.

The research evaluates non-invasive diagnostic strategies, including transient elastography and imaging techniques, for detecting liver steatosis and fibrosis. It further examines the impact of bariatric surgery on liver disease progression, the contribution of genetic risk variants to MASLD and cardiovascular disease, and the potential role of statin therapy in reducing mortality and cardiovascular risk in older adults with liver fibrosis.

The findings demonstrate the high burden of MASLD in populations with metabolic dysfunction and highlight the importance of early identification, risk stratification, and integrated management of liver and cardiovascular disease. This thesis supports the implementation of non-invasive diagnostic pathways and multidisciplinary care to improve outcomes for patients with MASLD.