Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) has become the leading cause for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States, according to a presenter at The Liver Meeting. The prevalence of MASH as an indication for liver transplantation has increased from 10% in 2013 to 31% in 2022. Alcoholic liver disease was found to be the most common etiology for liver transplantation candidates without HCC, with a significant increase from 23% to 48% between 2013 and 2022. In contrast, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates decreased from 28% to 4%, and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rates decreased from 1.8% to 1.1%.
Dr. Zobair M. Younossi and colleagues conducted the study using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to identify adult liver transplantation candidates with chronic liver disease between 2013 and 2022. They reported that among patients with HCC, the proportion of individuals with MASH as an indication for transplantation rapidly increased from 20% in 2018 to 31% in 2022. The researchers highlighted the growing burden of liver disease related to MASH, emphasizing the need for increased HCC screenings for patients with this condition.
These findings provide evidence of changing profiles of patients listed for liver transplantation in the United States and the increasing prevalence of MASH as an indication for transplantation in patients with HCC. The study suggests the importance of addressing MASH-related liver disease and implementing necessary screenings and interventions to improve patient outcomes.
