Unmasking MASH and MASLD: Bringing Metabolic Liver Disease to the Surface
🎓Accredited for PAs and NPs
In recent years, the field of liver disease has undergone a major shift. A global expert consensus in 2023 redefined Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). This change reflects a more accurate understanding of the strong links between liver health, metabolic dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. A new related category, MetALD (Metabolic dysfunction and Alcohol-associated Steatotic Liver Disease), highlights the need for tailored management strategies for specific patient populations. Why does this matter for you as a clinician? Because MASLD and MASH are highly prevalent in primary care populations, and early recognition and intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. With new nomenclature, evolving guidelines, and emerging therapies, staying current is essential to delivering optimal patient care. Recognizing this, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has identified MASLD/MASH as a top educational priority. This program—developed in collaboration with the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), and educational partner AXDEV Global—equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to:
- Describe the epidemiology and clinical significance of MASLD/MASH
- Apply best practices in diagnosis and testing, including non-invasive tools and care pathways
- Stay current on treatment strategies, from lifestyle management to emerging therapies
- Explore the latest research and how it shapes practice guidelines
Activities
Module 1: Diagnosis and Management of Patients with MASLD in Primary Care | 0.25 AAPA Category 1 CME creditLearning Objectives
- Outline the new terminology of MASLD and the rationale for change
- Describe MASLD prevalence and risk factors, especially among patients with obesity (Epidemiology of MASLD)
- Identify criteria to screen and manage patients (Screening for MASLD)
- Create foundational management plans for all MASLD patients
Learning Objectives
- Recognize risk factors for steatotic liver disease (SLD)
- Recognize appropriate screening measures for patients at risk for steatotic liver disease (SLD)
- Identify optimal foundational management for all patients with SLD
- Describe factors and situations in which patients with SLD should be referred to specialty care
Learning Objectives
- Report on the most recent guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of MASH and MASLD
- Describe the different non-invasive assessment tools available in practice, their pros and cons, and how they can be helpful in primary care/community practice
- Interpret results from initial work-up to determine the best course of action for patients with a potential diagnosis of MASLD and MASH
- Plan an optimal treatment and management approach for different patient case scenarios, and different comorbidity profiles, in collaboration with specialty care when appropriate
Learning Objectives
- Apply understanding of updated MASLD terminology and staging and when to refer to specialty providers
- Apply eligibility criteria for MASLD therapies including diet and lifestyle as well as FDA approved medications
- Evaluate application of pharmacologic treatment for metabolic syndrome and how they may be applicable to MASLD
Acknowledgment of Commercial Support
This activity is supported by independent educational grants from Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Novo Nordisk Inc.