Key questions on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

Module summary

Hepatologists Dr Ahmed Elsharkawy and Dr Laurence Hopkins discuss changes to the name, diagnosis and management of the liver condition MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MASLD stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. MASLD was previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is part of a broader group of conditions termed steatotic liver disease (SLD). SLD includes alcohol-related liver disease and other causes of steatosis such as genetic conditions and drug-induced liver injury.

Learning objectives

This module will support your knowledge of MASLD diagnosis and management, in particular:

1. Recent changes to the name and definition of the condition.
2. How these changes affect diagnosis, prognosis and management.
3. Identification of patients at highest risk of liver disease.
4. Interpretation of FIB-4 scores and when to refer to specialist services.
5. Use and interpretation of fibroscan testing.

Authors: Dr Ahmed Elsharkawy is consultant hepatologist and Dr Laurence Hopkins is clinical fellow in hepatology at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Date published: 01.05.2025