A recent study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that individuals diagnosed with fatty liver disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), face nearly double the mortality rate compared to the general population. The research highlights an increased risk of death from both liver-related conditions and common diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The study, titled Cause-specific mortality in 13,099 patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in Sweden, was published in the Journal of Hepatology. According to the findings, MASLD patients in Sweden are more likely to die from various causes, with liver diseases and liver cancer showing particularly high mortality rates.
Fatty liver disease, which is linked to obesity and excessive fat accumulation in the liver, is estimated to affect about one in five people in Sweden and potentially one in four globally. Over time, the disease can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
A Hidden Health Threat
“Many individuals are unaware they have fatty liver disease, as it often does not cause symptoms in its early stages,” said Axel Wester, assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medicine and a physician at Karolinska University Hospital. “Our study shows that individuals with MASLD are at an increased risk of death from a wide range of diseases, not just liver-related issues.”
The study, which examined data from over 13,000 Swedish patients diagnosed with MASLD between 2002 and 2020, assessed their mortality risk from various causes. Results showed that the overall mortality rate for individuals with MASLD was nearly double that of the general population. The risk was particularly elevated for deaths from liver diseases (27 times higher) and liver cancer (35 times higher). However, the most common causes of death for these individuals were cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancers, with mortality rates 54% and 47% higher, respectively.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
In addition to liver diseases, patients with MASLD also faced a higher risk of dying from infections, gastrointestinal conditions, respiratory diseases, and endocrine disorders, though mental illnesses did not appear to contribute to increased mortality rates.
“Managing fatty liver disease requires more than focusing solely on the liver,” emphasized Hannes Hagström, adjunct professor at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medicine and senior physician at Karolinska University Hospital. “A comprehensive, early intervention approach, involving multiple medical specialties, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.”
The study was led by Hannes Hagström and Axel Wester, with Gabriel Issa, a medical student at Karolinska Institutet, serving as the first author.
This research underscores the need for greater awareness of MASLD and a broader approach to its treatment to improve the long-term health and survival of affected individuals.
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