Prevalence of steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A multicenter Argentine cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47196/diab.v60i1.1316Keywords:
steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, MASLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatic steatosis, prevalenceAbstract
Introduction: steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) is highly prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but there are still no reported data in the Argentine population. The redefined MASLD was used because it emphasizes the associated metabolic dysfunction and allows for a broader diagnostic approach.
Objectives: primary: to estimate the prevalence of MASLD in people with type 2 diabetes in Argentina. Secondary: to explore its association with anthropometric factors, cardiovascular risk, and liver fibrosis; to evaluate fibrosis in centers with access to elastography.
Materials and methods: an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted between April and December 2023 in 21 specialized DM care centers. Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM were included. The diagnosis of MASLD was based on the presence of hepatic steatosis by ultrasound along with metabolic criteria. FIB-4 and Hearts scores were calculated in the Americas. Fibroscan elastography was performed in centers where fibroscan was available.
Results: a total of 579 individuals were included (median age: 60 years; 67% obese). The prevalence of MASLD was 81.2% (95% CI: 77.8–84.3), with regional variations ranging from 77.9% to 90.3%. A strong association was found between MASLD and higher body mass index (OR for obesity: 8.9; 95% CI: 4.1–19.6; p<0.001) and waist circumference. No significant associations were observed between MASLD and estimated cardiovascular risk or between FIB-4 and Hearts scores. Fibroscan elastography was performed in 63 patients, with a median of 5.7 kPa (4.7–9.5).
Conclusions: eight out of 10 individuals with T2DM presented MASLD, with a significant association with excess weight. These findings reinforce the need to implement systematic strategies for screening for liver damage and comprehensively address obesity in this population.
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