1.8 Billion MASLD Cases; Improving HCC Surveillance; Ultrasound for Crohn’s Disease

Researchers projected 1.8 billion worldwide cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by 2050, a 42% increase from 2023. (Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology)

MASLD in people living with HIV was linked to reduced quality of life, including worse emotional well-being and greater fatigue and systemic symptoms, researchers reported in Gastro Hep Advances.

Concurrent chronic hepatitis B infection increased the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with MASLD, including for patients in the gray-zone phase. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Some patients with chronic hepatitis D had sustained undetectable viral RNA almost 2 years after stopping bulevirtide, new findings from the phase III MYR301 study showed. (Journal of Hepatology)

Review articles this week looked at the genetic risks of steatotic liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders in scleroderma, and metabolic dysfunction- and alcohol-associated steatotic liver disease in women. (Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

In a cross-sectional study, higher body mass index was linked to increased prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction, along with greater symptom burden. (American Journal of Gastroenterology)

Unmet health-related social needs such as housing instability or food insecurity were linked to lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in U.S. adults, a cross-sectional study found. (JAMA Network Open)

Another study tied cost concerns and logistical barriers to a lower likelihood of CRC screening. (JAMA Network Open)

The American Gastroenterological Association issued a clinical practice update on risk stratification and emerging surveillance strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). (Gastroenterology)

Meanwhile, researchers in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined patient preferences when it comes to HCC surveillance.

An analysis of liver transplant waitlist outcomes showed higher mortality rates among women versus men with grades 1 and 2 acute-on-chronic liver failure. (Gastro Hep Advances)

Trained hepatologists can deliver palliative care and improve quality-of-life outcomes for U.S. patients with end-stage liver disease, a cluster randomized trial indicated. (JAMA Internal Medicine)

A study of commercially insured adults with newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease from 2007 to 2023 found decreasing use of corticosteroids and earlier initiation of advanced therapies in recent years. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Prospective data backed the early use of intestinal ultrasound to non-invasively monitor treatment response in Crohn’s disease. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Only dupilumab (Dupixent), cendakimab, and budesonide oral suspension and orodispersible tablets for eosinophilic esophagitis were associated with symptomatic improvement, according to a systematic review and network meta-analysis. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)