Chat with MASLD AI
Hi, I am MASLD AI.
Suggested Questions :
MASLD AI 11:15 AM
August 2025
In this MASLD Community Network episode, Valerie Shin, NP with UCLA Health Hepatology, addresses frequently asked questions from community GI providers about noninvasive tests (NITs) for assessing steatosis and fibrosis in MASLD and MASH. She reviews the benefits and key limitations of the FIB-4 score—highlighting the risk of false negatives in patients with normal AST/ALT levels, false positives in older patients, and inaccuracy when thrombocytopenia is unrelated to liver disease. Valerie explains when to consider second-line NITs, including transient elastography (FibroScan®), ELF score, and MR elastography, detailing their strengths, availability challenges, and technical limitations such as operator dependence, BMI restrictions, and insurance coverage issues. She also clarifies the rare but important role of liver biopsy when NITs produce conflicting or inconclusive results. Whether you’re a healthcare provider seeking practical diagnostic guidance or a patient wanting to understand your testing options, this video offers expert insights into selecting and interpreting noninvasive liver tests for MASLD and MASH.
Related FAQ
Common Questions From Primary Care Providers About MASH
August 2025
In this overview on the MASLD Community Network, Oyin Penny, FNP with Premier Gastroenterology, addresses some of the most frequent questions primary care providers have when caring for patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Learn when to screen patients for MASH, the key risk factors that should prompt evaluation, and when referral to gastroenterology or hepatology specialists is most appropriate. Oyin also explains how to monitor disease progression using non-invasive tests (NITs) such as FibroScan, MR elastography, and ELF tests. Whether you are a PCP managing patients with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal liver imaging, this video provides essential guidance to help you identify high-risk patients earlier and optimize their care. Stay tuned for more expert insights and practical education from the MASH Community Network.
Watch Now
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.
Watch Now
APP Insight: Misconceptions About Liver Health
June 2025
In this video, Scott Springer, PA-C, from Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, addresses one of the most common misconceptions in liver health—trusting over-the-counter supplements and detox products to improve liver function. Drawing from his experience in both hepatology and addiction medicine, Scott emphasizes that many non-prescribed products marketed for liver support are not only ineffective but can actually cause liver harm. He cautions against relying on unregulated supplements and urges patients to consult medical professionals before taking anything for liver health. One surprising and evidence-based recommendation he makes: drink coffee. Filtered coffee, in particular, has been shown to support liver health and may reduce the risk of liver disease progression. Scott recommends two to three cups per day, without added sugar or excess dairy—especially for patients with MASLD or MASH. This video offers practical, research-backed advice for patients and providers alike, highlighting what truly helps (and what may harm) the liver.
Watch Now
Common Questions From Patients About MASH
July 2025
In this practical and patient-focused discussion from the GHAPP MASLD/MASH Community Network, we address some of the most frequently asked questions by patients newly diagnosed with MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). Many patients wonder how they can have liver disease if they don’t drink alcohol. This video explains the evolution from NAFLD to MASLD, emphasizing that MASLD is rooted in metabolic risk factors—not alcohol use—and commonly affects individuals with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Viewers will also learn about evidence-based lifestyle interventions, including the benefits of a hypocaloric diet, the recommended Mediterranean-style eating pattern, and 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. Finally, we tackle the question “Is MASLD curable?” with empowering guidance on how weight loss and exercise can help reverse liver damage and reduce liver fat. This is a must-watch for clinicians, care teams, and patients seeking clarity and confidence in managing this increasingly common liver disease.
Watch Now
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.
Watch Now
Common Questions From Primary Care Providers About MASH
July 2025
In this concise and practical discussion, Lindsay Pratt, PA-C from the University of Colorado’s Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplant, shares expert guidance on screening and managing patients with MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). Speaking directly to the common questions she receives from primary care providers, Lindsay outlines when to screen for MASLD/MASH—emphasizing the importance of evaluating patients with elevated liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis on imaging, and cardiometabolic risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and sleep apnea. She breaks down the utility of FIB-4 as a first-line non-invasive test, when to use FibroScan®, and clears up a common misconception about statin use in liver disease—encouraging providers to continue or initiate statins when indicated. This session is ideal for clinicians managing metabolic syndrome and its liver manifestations and offers simple, evidence-based tools to identify at-risk patients early.
Watch Now
APP Insight: Misconceptions About Liver Health
June 2025
In this video, Anthony Derencius, PA-C at Pinnacle Clinical Research, clears up some of the most common misconceptions about liver health—offering valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. With extensive experience in hepatology, Anthony emphasizes that liver disease is often silent and asymptomatic, meaning many individuals may feel completely fine while living with a significant liver issue. He cautions against relying on a single lab result or imaging test to determine liver status, especially when assessing for conditions like cirrhosis, and stresses the importance of confirming findings through multiple diagnostic tools over time. Anthony also highlights the need for proactive screening, particularly in patients with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease. Early detection is key, and he encourages patients to advocate for their liver health by seeking evaluation—even if their provider hasn’t suggested it. This is a must-watch for anyone aiming to better understand the complexities of liver disease and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis.
Watch Now
Common Questions From Patients About MASH
August 2025
In this engaging episode from the GHAPP MASLD Community Network, Alison Moe shares practical insights into the most common questions patients ask about advanced fibrosis and fatty liver disease. Using a liver model, she explains the stages from normal liver to steatosis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, emphasizing that with lifestyle modifications—such as weight loss, glycemic control, and now FDA-approved pharmacotherapy—fatty liver disease, including F3 fibrosis, can be reversible. Alison also addresses a critical concern: alcohol consumption. She breaks down how her guidance differs depending on the presence and stage of fibrosis, adhering to strict AASLD guidelines to protect liver health. Whether you're a healthcare provider or a patient looking for clarity, this video offers evidence-based guidance and compassionate answers.
Watch Now
APP Insight: Misconceptions About Liver Health
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.
Watch Now
Common Questions From Community GI About MASH
July 2025
In this session, Lavinia Iordache, PA-C, from the University of Miami, draws on a decade of experience in inpatient and outpatient hepatology to address common management questions related to MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). She provides practical guidance for gastroenterology providers navigating when to monitor versus refer patients with fibrosis, how to interpret and time non-invasive testing (NITs) such as FIB-4, and when liver biopsy may still play a role—particularly in cases with persistently elevated liver enzymes despite lifestyle improvement. Lavinia also dives into the referral criteria for hepatology, the evolving role of resmetirom in stage 2–3 fibrosis, and the critical topic of HCC screening. While current AASLD guidelines limit HCC surveillance to cirrhosis, Lavinia highlights emerging evidence and EASL recommendations supporting imaging in patients with F3 fibrosis based on individualized risk factors like diabetes, genetics, and obesity. She also explains why CT or MRI is often preferred over ultrasound in MASLD patients due to obesity-related imaging limitations. This is a must-watch for hepatology and GI teams managing liver fibrosis in metabolic disease.
Watch Now