Applicability of the New Criteria for Diagnosis of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MALFD) in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 1/3 to ¼ of the world’s population. Currently this pathology is being redefined by using the acronym MALFD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease) and the possibility of new criteria for its diagnosis is being discussed.

Methodology: Prospective and descriptive studies carried out between July 2018 and June 2020 where the applicability of the new criteria in MAFLD diagnosis were valued. Patients with NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) were enrolled in clinics specialized in this pathology.

Results: Out of 172 patients enrolled, 96.4% (this represents a total of 165 patients) presented obesity, were over weighted and or presented Diabetes Mellitus.The rest of the patients (a total of 7) presented high blood pressure and or dyslipidemia. Moreover, it was observed that the higher the obesity index the higher the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus.

Conclusions: The criteria for the diagnosis of MAFLD are adaptable in patients with a diagnosis of NAFLD from the first consultation and allow the assessment of prognostic elements of the disease. This would allow us to intervene at very early stages which could impact patient’s prognosis.