MASH: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

Learning you have MASH

Every year millions of people around the world are told they have a serious form of liver disease called MASH (formerly called NASH). For many patients, the diagnosis is a surprise since MASH can develop with few to no serious symptoms. Patients are typically counseled to undergo lifestyle changes such as weight loss to slow disease progression. This is because prolonged liver inflammation can lead to even more serious disease, such as cirrhosis or cancer. This can feel overwhelming to a person who has likely struggled with maintaining a healthy weight. But there are new options on the horizon.

Taking control of MASH

It is troubling to receive a chronic medical diagnosis. And often MASH patients are already managing other conditions such as diabetes. With MASH on the rise globally, there is focused effort to find effective therapies. For patients and their loved ones coming to terms with a MASH diagnosis, it is important to create a game plan. Assembling the right care team is a critical first step. Gaining and maintaining knowledge of emerging treatment approaches is also wise. This can include conversations with one's doctor, joining a patient community, and engaging with advocacy groups related to liver disease.

Advances in treatment

Today there are numerous studies looking at how to improve the quality of life for MASH patients. From understanding the role of genetics, to developing better tools for faster diagnosis, there is concerted effort to help patients with MASH. Becoming involved in these conversations is a good way to stay connected as the field of MASH knowledge continues to grow, hopefully one day leading to an effective cure.

You can get involved

Ready to learn about research studies that may benefit patients with MASH? Take a look at the trials that are currently recruiting. Each will show criteria a potential participant must meet to enroll - this is called eligibility criteria. There can be a number of factors here that an interested person must match. And just because someone is not a match for one trial does not mean that will be the case for all trials since each has different eligibility requirements.

RECRUITING TRIALS

Reference

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts of NAFLD & NASH.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for NAFLD & NASH
American Liver Foundation. Prevalence of NASH.
Mayo Clinic. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, facts and information
Muthiah, Mark and Sanyal, Arun Current management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver International, 2020 Feb;40 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):89-95. doi: 10.1111/liv.14355.