A silent disease affects millions of Americans without their knowledge. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver condition caused by fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring, impacts nearly 5% of adults worldwide. In the US alone, over 15 million people are living with MASH, yet only one in five Americans have been diagnosed.
The most aggressive form of fatty liver disease is often asymptomatic until damage becomes irreversible, making it a ‘silent disease’. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience fatigue, pain, and weight loss. The US has a high rate of undiagnosed cases, with an estimated 16.7 million people affected.
Researchers call for a doubling in MASH diagnosis rates to improve testing and increase accessibility. Testing needs to skyrocket from about two million to 36 million, particularly among those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. With new treatments on the horizon, fixing systemic roadblocks is crucial to catching MASH early.
Early detection can slow progression and even repair some damage through lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and exercise. Doctors may prescribe resmetirom, an FDA-approved medication for MASH. However, severe damage can lead to deadly conditions that drastically shorten a person’s life.
A paradigm shift in care is needed to catch at-risk patients before irreversible damage occurs. Improved diagnostics require more than just better tests; it demands changes in perception and understanding within the medical community. The researchers emphasize that focused efforts are necessary to turn opportunities into reality, particularly with expected drug approvals on the horizon.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14787863/Subtle-warning-signs-silent-disease-16m-Americans-living-dont-know.html