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MASLD AI 04:16 AM
June 2025
In this video, Christina Hanson, FNP-C, from South Denver Gastroenterology, dispels common myths around liver health and highlights a critical shift in how we identify and manage fatty liver disease. With the updated terminology from NAFLD/NASH to MASLD/MASH—Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease—Christina explains how the new name more accurately reflects the underlying cardiometabolic drivers of the condition, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. She emphasizes that liver enzyme abnormalities or incidental imaging findings should no longer be the only triggers for evaluation. Instead, clinicians—especially in primary care and endocrinology—should proactively screen high-risk patients using non-invasive tools like FIB-4 to assess for liver fibrosis. With over 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes and up to 90% of those with morbid obesity at risk for coexisting fatty liver, early identification and triage are vital to improving outcomes. This is a must-watch for healthcare providers seeking practical, guideline-driven strategies for detecting MASLD and MASH in everyday clinical practice.
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APP Insight: Misconceptions About Liver Health
June 2025
In this video, Kelly Smeester, PA-C from South Denver Gastroenterology, addresses some of the most common and harmful misconceptions about liver health. One major myth she tackles is the belief that liver disease only affects those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Kelly explains that liver disease has many causes—including autoimmune conditions, viral infections, and metabolic dysfunction—meaning even individuals who don’t drink at all may still be at risk. She emphasizes the dangers of relying on unregulated “liver detox” supplements, clarifying that the liver is a natural detox organ and doesn’t require external cleanses, which may actually do more harm than good. Kelly also highlights how liver disease can be entirely asymptomatic, particularly in patients with conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Finally, she reinforces that cirrhosis is not solely alcohol-related and can result from steatotic liver disease, making regular liver evaluations and screenings crucial for early detection and management. This video is an essential resource for patients and providers aiming to better understand liver health beyond outdated myths.
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Common Questions From Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this informative session, Jennifer Geremia, PA-C, a seasoned gastroenterology physician assistant in tertiary care Boston, addresses some of the most common questions primary care providers have about identifying and managing patients with fatty liver disease, MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). Jennifer highlights the importance of using FIB-4 as a first-line non-invasive test (NIT) in high-risk patients with diabetes, obesity, or other metabolic conditions—noting how easily this tool can be integrated into routine labs via the EMR. She underscores that the liver is often overlooked in chronic disease management and makes a strong case for routine fibrosis screening alongside cardiovascular and diabetes evaluations. The talk also dives into actionable next steps after FIB-4 testing, including elastography, ELF testing, and referrals to GI when needed. Jennifer closes by discussing realistic lifestyle intervention goals—especially the importance of 7–10% weight loss for meaningful reductions in steatosis and fibrosis risk. This session is a must-watch for PCPs, APPs, and clinicians managing metabolic comorbidities and seeking practical, evidence-based strategies for early MASH detection and management.
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Misconceptions About Liver Health
July 2025
In this short and informative video, Miu Lai Ng, a nurse practitioner at Tufts Medical Center, debunks two of the most common myths about liver health. First, she sets the record straight on liver cleanses and detox teas—explaining that your liver already detoxifies your body daily and doesn’t need fad diets or trendy supplements. Instead, what your liver needs is support through sustainable habits like reducing alcohol intake, cutting back on processed sugars, and maintaining a healthy weight. She also highlights a critical point: liver disease is often silent, and many people with significant liver damage have no symptoms until it’s advanced. If you're at risk due to metabolic syndrome, alcohol use, or other factors, Miu Lai urges you to talk to your healthcare provider about screening options like FIB-4 or FibroScan®. Your liver works hard for you—this video is a reminder to return the favor with real, lasting care.
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APP Insight: Common Questions from Community GI About MASH
July 2025
In this episode, HoChong Gilles, DNP, FNP-BC, a seasoned hepatology expert and Clinical Program Director at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System, addresses a frequently asked question from primary care and community GI providers: How do you risk stratify patients without access to a FibroScan? Drawing on over 25 years of clinical experience, HoChong outlines practical strategies for assessing liver fibrosis using the FIB-4 score—a simple calculation based on patient age, ALT, AST, and platelet count. She also discusses how tools like the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test, available through Quest or Labcorp, can serve as valuable alternatives in the absence of elastography. Whether you're managing incidental hepatic steatosis or evaluating elevated liver enzymes, this episode offers step-by-step guidance for using non-invasive biomarkers to stratify liver disease risk and guide referrals effectively. Perfect for clinicians in primary care, GI, and hepatology seeking practical, accessible tools for early liver disease assessment.
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Common Questions From Patients About MASH
July 2025
In this informative video, Ellie Gonyeau, a nurse practitioner in general gastroenterology at Beth Israel in Boston, answers some of the most common questions she hears from patients about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). With compassion and clarity, Ellie addresses concerns about the seriousness of the condition, explaining that while MASLD can progress to advanced liver disease, early intervention can make a significant difference. She emphasizes the importance of not delaying care and encourages patients to take manageable steps—like losing just 5–10% of their body weight—to reduce liver inflammation and slow disease progression. Nutrition, exercise, and proactive conversations are central to her patient-centered approach. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking guidance, this episode offers valuable, practical insights for anyone navigating MASLD. #MASLD #FattyLiver #LiverHealth #GIcare #BethIsrael #NursePractitioner #Gastroenterology #PatientEducation #LiverDisease #WeightLossSupport
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Misconceptions About Liver Health
July 2025
In this quick myth-busting session, Elizabeth Alqueza, PA-C from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, addresses two of the most common misconceptions in hepatology related to steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). First, she explains that liver disease is not always fixed or irreversible—and with proper management and elimination of the underlying cause, liver fibrosis can improve over time, a trend often monitored through FibroScan®. Second, she clarifies that significant liver improvement does not require extreme weight loss. In fact, a modest 5–10% reduction in total body weight—sometimes as little as 10–20 pounds—can lead to measurable improvements in liver inflammation and fibrosis. This video is ideal for providers and patients seeking a clearer understanding of how lifestyle changes can reverse liver disease and why timely, targeted interventions matter.
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APP Insight: Common Questions from Community GI About MASH
June 2025
In this informative video, Janet Gripshover, DNP, FNP-BC, and nurse manager for the liver transplant program at Cedars-Sinai, answers key questions about managing MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis) and navigating non-invasive testing. She addresses a common clinical challenge—what to do when FIB-4 and FibroScan results are discordant. Janet explains that while non-invasive tests are useful, they're not foolproof, and when results are unclear—especially in patients with significant metabolic risk factors—liver biopsy remains the gold standard for accurate diagnosis. She also shares expert recommendations on dietary changes for patients with fatty liver disease, emphasizing alcohol avoidance, high-protein, low-fat, and lower-carb diets, as well as achievable weight loss goals (around 5% of body weight). Janet highlights when to escalate care beyond lifestyle interventions—typically after 3 to 6 months if there’s no improvement—and discusses options such as pharmacologic therapy or bariatric surgery. This video provides practical, evidence-based guidance for healthcare providers managing the complexities of MASLD and MASH.
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Common Questions from Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this educational video, Erin Parkinson, ARNP-C at the Transplant Institute at Tampa General Medical Group, addresses two of the most frequently asked questions from primary care providers about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). First, she explains when it’s appropriate to refer a patient to GI or hepatology, emphasizing the use of FIB-4 for risk stratification and recommending referral when scores are indeterminate or high, especially if a FibroScan® result shows ≥8 kPa. Erin also discusses lifestyle interventions, reinforcing the importance of weight loss and dietary modification, with strong endorsement of the Mediterranean diet—a recommendation supported by major liver societies. She also notes that intermittent fasting may be a helpful adjunct for patients seeking to improve liver health through sustainable weight reduction. This video provides practical tools for frontline providers to improve early detection and management of fatty liver disease.
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Common Questions from Patients About MASH
July 2025
In this focused episode, Suzanne Robertazzi, NP at the Washington DC VA, shares expert insights on how to prevent recurrence of MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis) and MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) in liver transplant recipients. Drawing on her experience caring for post-transplant veterans, Suzanne explains that MASH can return even after liver transplantation, making ongoing metabolic management essential. She outlines key strategies including tight blood sugar and blood pressure control, especially since transplant medications can contribute to hypertension. Suzanne also emphasizes the importance of introducing regular physical activity post-recovery and adopting a Mediterranean-style diet—while tailoring nutrition guidance to meet the needs of patients in urban settings with limited access to fresh foods. This video is a must-watch for transplant teams, hepatology providers, and patients seeking to extend the life and health of their new liver through evidence-based lifestyle and clinical interventions.
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Common Questions From Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this insightful episode, Jessica Crimaldi, NP from the Cleveland Clinic, addresses two of the most frequently asked questions from primary care providers about MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). First, she clarifies a common concern regarding statin use in patients with liver disease, emphasizing that statins are not only safe in most cases—including compensated cirrhosis—but also beneficial in managing cardiometabolic risk factors and slowing disease progression. She explains when statins are contraindicated and encourages collaboration with hepatology if there are concerns. Second, Jessica outlines a practical pre-referral workup for suspected MASLD/MASH patients. She details the labs needed to calculate FIB-4, suggests ordering an INR, and highlights the importance of screening for viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and common genetic liver disorders. This episode offers clear, actionable guidance for providers managing fatty liver disease in primary care and is a valuable resource for improving early diagnosis and coordinated care.
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