Metabolic associated fatty liver disease: modern diagnostic approaches in gastroenterology practice | Ukrainian Medical Journal

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide and represents a significant challenge for modern gastroenterology. The increasing prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus has led to a steady rise in MAFLD incidence. The disease often remains asymptomatic for a long time, which complicates early diagnosis and contributes to progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this article is to summarize current diagnostic methods for MAFLD and to determine their role in routine gastroenterological practice. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and non-invasive methods for assessing liver damage are discussed, with particular attention paid to fibrosis assessment as a key prognostic factor. A comprehensive diagnostic approach enables early identification of patients at high risk of disease progression and improves clinical decision-making.

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