European journal of internal medicine
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Apr 2024
ReviewNon-invasive testing and risk-stratification in patients with MASLD.
The development and validation of non-invasive fibrosis tests (NITs) has changed clinical practice in Hepatology over the last 15 years. Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most prevalent liver disease in western countries, with up to a third of the unselected adult population affected. ⋯ These NITs include a variety of approaches, such as serum markers like FIB-4, pro-C3 and ELF, imaging techniques like Fibroscan® and MRE, and combined scores like Agile 3+ and Agile 4, offering a range of options for healthcare providers. Furthermore, these non-invasive tests also serve as valuable prognostic tools, allowing for better risk assessment and improved patient management, particularly in predicting liver-related events and overall mortality.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Apr 2024
Meta AnalysisRisk of subclinical atherosclerosis in primary Sjogren's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Currently, the guidelines for prevention and management of atherosclerosis in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) do not differentiate from those concerning the general population. ⋯ Patients with pSS have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis compared to healthy population and thus possibly require early and disease-specific intervention. Further research is warranted for more accurate cardiovascular risk management in SS.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Apr 2024
ReviewManagement of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
The novel term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to highlight the close association with the metabolic syndrome. MASLD encompasses patients with liver steatosis and at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors which implies that these patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, the prevalence of CVD in MASLD patients is increased and CVD is recognized as the most common cause of death in MASLD patients. ⋯ Especially a Mediterranean diet may improve hyperlipidemia and if further treatment is needed, statins should be used as first-line treatment. Further, anti-hypertensive drugs should be used to treat hypertension. With the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the risk of MASLD and CVD is expected to increase, and preventive measures, screening, and effective treatments are highly needed to reduce morbidity and mortality in MASLD patients.