New Tools Revolutionize Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment for Seniors

New Tools Revolutionize Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment for Seniors

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as a pressing health concern among older adults. As individuals age, they frequently encounter challenges such as increased insulin resistance, accumulation of visceral fat, and decreased physical activity. These factors contribute significantly to liver fat accumulation, potentially resulting in severe repercussions such as chronic liver damage, liver cancer, or even the dire need for a liver transplant.

Dr. Andrew Boxer, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, refers to this condition as a "20, 30-year disease," emphasizing the slow progression of liver damage. He noted that many patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s may be unaware of their liver issues until they reach advanced stages of cirrhosis. This lack of awareness often stems from the asymptomatic nature of the disease, which affects an astonishing 40% of the American population. Despite its prevalence, less than 1% of adults recognize they have this silent affliction.

In its more severe form—metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)—fat accumulation leads to significant liver damage and inflammation, heightening the risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Dr. Boxer warns that nearly half of those with MASLD require interventions to prevent liver failure. He highlighted a crucial point: patients often show no symptoms until they develop what is termed decompensated cirrhosis, underscoring the importance of early detection.

Projecting into the future, estimates suggest that by 2030, 100 million Americans will be afflicted with MASLD, further emphasizing the critical need for timely diagnosis and treatment. In response to this growing health issue, medical professionals are urging for proactive screening, especially among individuals with known risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Traditionally, the gold standard for diagnosing liver fibrosis has been liver biopsy, an invasive procedure that carries significant risks. However, advances in technology have introduced non-invasive alternatives that offer comparable diagnostic insights without the complications associated with needle insertion.

• FibroScan: This specialized ultrasound technique measures liver stiffness, providing insight into liver health.
• Velacur: Recently adopted by Gastroenterology Associates, Velacur is an innovative ultrasound solution that utilizes artificial intelligence to deliver real-time assessment of chronic liver disease markers.
• Blood Tests: A combination of routine blood tests can also help identify potential liver scarring in patients with MASLD.

Amid these technological advancements, patient care has been transformed. The FDA's approval of resmetirom (sold under the brand name Rezdiffra) in March 2024 marked a significant milestone in treating MASH, especially for patients with moderate to advanced liver scarring. Dr. Boxer describes this medication as revolutionary because it provides a therapeutic option beyond lifestyle changes. Traditional treatments relied heavily on diet and exercise, which can be insufficient for some patients.

As medical practices like GANJ integrate cutting-edge tools like Velacur into their arsenals, the goal remains clear: to prevent disease progression and promote early intervention. The Velacur device, which is easy to use and requires minimal time for testing, aligns perfectly with the modern healthcare landscape's push for accessible and efficient patient care. The promise of such technologies is substantial. By enabling doctors to obtain crucial information about liver fat and scarring in under ten minutes, these tools can play a vital role in reducing the incidence of cirrhosis and its complications.

Dr. Boxer encapsulates the potential of these advancements succinctly: "If we just find some fibrosis before cirrhosis, we could reverse all this." Through a concerted effort to raise awareness, improve screening, and utilize new treatments, the healthcare community is poised to make significant strides in combating liver disease in older adults.