What Is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease? (2024)

FAQs

What is a metabolic dysfunction of the liver? ›

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a type of steatosis that's caused by factors other than excessive alcohol use. The exact cause isn't completely understood, but it often occurs with other metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

Severe Levels of Damage

However, if you develop complications such as swelling or fluid in the abdomen, confusion, or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, life expectancy decreases dramatically to three to five years without a liver transplant.

“Steatosis” is a term healthcare providers use to describe fat buildup in an organ (usually your liver). A healthy, high-functioning liver contains a small amount of fat. Fat buildup becomes a problem when it reaches over 5% of your liver's weight.

In the early stages of compensated cirrhosis, life expectancy may still be upwards of 15 years. When portal hypertension develops, it reduces that expectancy, primarily due to the risk of internal bleeding it can cause. Decompensated cirrhosis has an average life expectancy of seven years.

The three most common metabolic liver diseases are: hereditary hemochromatosis, Alpha-I antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), and Wilson Disease. Hereditary hemochromatosis, also called iron overload disease, is genetic disorder in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron.

Ascites is the main complication of cirrhosis,³ and the mean time period to its development is approximately 10 years. Ascites is a landmark in the progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life; mortality is estimated to be 50% in 2 years.

If your midsection looks like a pot and your arms and legs are rather thin, you're likely to have a LIVER body type or liver belly.

Is fatty liver disease reversible? Here's the good news. Fatty liver disease is treated with a combination of diet and exercise. With this regimen, the liver can heal itself and actually reverse the damage that has occurred over the years.

“Many people, and even some doctors, think fatty liver is just something you have to live with.” says Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio, “But it's not. If ignored, it can lead to serious complications including cancer or liver transplant.”

What is the best drink for fatty liver? ›

Hepatic steatosis is characterized by the buildup of fat in the liver; however, cirrhosis involves the development of scarring on top of healthy tissue. Both variations of fatty liver disease (AFLD and NAFLD) may cause cirrhosis if not addressed in time.

Acute liver failure can develop quickly in an otherwise healthy person, and it is life-threatening. If you or someone you know suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin; tenderness in the upper abdomen; or any unusual changes in mental state, personality or behavior, seek medical attention right away.

Someone with liver failure who is nearing death is described as having end-stage liver disease. This can cause symptoms such as jaundice, confusion and uncertainty, severe tiredness, a build-up of fluid in the abdomen, shortness of breath, and bleeding easily.

You know that your liver function is worsening if the signs of liver failure have started or are increasing. Look out for jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), nausea, fatigue, and pain on the right side of the abdomen.

Metabolic disorders are conditions that affect any aspect of metabolism. Examples of metabolic disorders include diabetes, Gaucher's disease, and hemochromatosis. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight loss or gain, and nausea and vomiting.

A metabolic [met-uh-BOL-ik] disorder is when something is wrong with the body's metabolism — the ability to turn food into energy and get rid of waste. The body has many different chemicals and processes that make metabolism work.

Overweight and obesity are the main risk factors for metabolic syndrome because they can raise “bad” LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and blood pressure, and lower “good” HDL cholesterol.