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MASLD AI 06:47 AM
November 2025
In this educational session from the GHAPP MASLD Community Network, Erin Parkinson, APRN, from the Transplant Institute at Tampa General Medical Group, provides a detailed walkthrough of the diagnostic workup for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With experience in both general and transplant hepatology, Erin explains how to identify and evaluate patients at risk—beginning with key metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and moving through the essential steps of imaging, laboratory testing, and fibrosis assessment. Viewers will learn when and how to use tools like ultrasound, FIB-4, FibroScan, ELF testing, and MR elastography to differentiate mild disease from advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Erin also emphasizes the importance of quantifying alcohol intake, ruling out viral, autoimmune, and genetic liver diseases, and applying risk stratification to determine appropriate follow-up and hepatology referral. This comprehensive overview equips APPs and clinicians with the practical framework needed to confidently diagnose, stage, and monitor MASLD and MASH, while incorporating HCC screening and long-term management strategies for high-risk patients.
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APP Insight: Common Questions from Patients About MASH
June 2025
In this episode, Jordan Mayberry, MPAS, PA-C, a seasoned hepatology provider at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, addresses some of the most frequently asked questions from patients diagnosed with MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) and MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis). With over 12 years of clinical experience, Jordan explains the root causes of MASLD/MASH, including key cardiometabolic risk factors like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, as well as genetic predispositions—particularly in Hispanic populations. He emphasizes the importance of fibrosis assessment in guiding treatment decisions, explaining that patients with early-stage disease should focus on lifestyle changes, while those with more advanced fibrosis (stages F2–F3) may be candidates for pharmacologic therapy such as resmetirom (Rezdiffra). Jordan also explores how prognosis depends on fibrosis stage and long-term management of comorbidities, making early intervention and risk stratification essential. This episode offers practical insights for clinicians aiming to improve conversations and care strategies for patients living with MASLD or MASH.
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Addressing Health Disparities: Equity Considerations in MASH/MASLD Care
July 2025
In this episode, Patrick Horne, NP at the University of Florida (UF Health), explores the impact of health disparities and socioeconomic inequality on the diagnosis and management of MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis) and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). With a focus on rural and underserved populations, Patrick discusses how limited access to quality healthcare, healthy food, exercise options, and non-invasive testing (NITs) like FibroScan or MRI elastography can delay diagnosis and worsen outcomes. He shares practical, empathetic strategies for individualizing care, such as using accessible tools like FIB-4 or APRI, promoting low-cost physical activity like walking or swimming, and providing culturally sensitive nutrition advice tailored to financial and geographic realities. Patrick emphasizes the provider’s role as a patient advocate and coach, helping patients navigate barriers and create sustainable lifestyle modifications. This episode offers key insights for clinicians working to close gaps in care and promote equity in liver disease management.
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Addressing Health Disparities: Equity Considerations in MASH/MASLD Care
July 2025
In this powerful and timely episode, Robin Soto, FNP at UC San Diego Health, explores the deep-rooted health disparities impacting patients with MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). With a focus on equity in liver care, Robin highlights the disproportionate burden of disease in Hispanic and underserved populations and the complex interplay of genetics, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and systemic bias that drives these outcomes. She shares actionable strategies for advanced practice providers (APPs) to implement culturally sensitive communication, bias-conscious screening protocols using tools like FIB-4, NAFLD fibrosis score, and transient elastography, and how to leverage telehealth and community partnerships to bridge gaps in care. Robin also addresses the importance of culturally relevant dietary counseling, inclusive family engagement, and motivational interviewing to enhance adherence and improve long-term outcomes. Whether you're in primary care, hepatology, or community health, this episode offers a roadmap to advance health equity in the management of fatty liver disease.
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Pharmacotherapy for MASH/MASLD: An Overview
June 2025
In this comprehensive episode, Christina Hanson, FNP-C at South Denver GI, provides an in-depth overview of pharmacotherapy for MASLD and MASH, with a focus on the FDA-approved therapy resmetirom (brand name Rezdiffra). Drawing on over 18 years of experience in hepatology and GI care, Christina explains the histologic endpoints used in clinical trials—MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement without worsening disease—and how they guided the approval of resmetirom. She breaks down the drug’s mechanism of action as a selective thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) agonist, which promotes lipid metabolism and reduces liver inflammation without systemic toxicity. Christina reviews key Phase 3 data from the MAESTRO-NASH trial, showing resmetirom’s significant impact on both MASH resolution and fibrosis regression across diverse patient populations. She also outlines criteria for appropriate patient selection (those with stage F2-F3 fibrosis), clinical monitoring strategies, and management of side effects like transient GI discomfort. Christina emphasizes the importance of baseline screening for liver disease, autoimmune conditions, thyroid function, and lipid levels before initiating therapy. She highlights best practices from the 2024 AASLD guidelines for ongoing monitoring and treatment response assessment, including ALT and liver stiffness thresholds that help determine whether to continue or discontinue therapy. This episode is a must-watch for hepatology clinicians looking to implement evidence-based, patient-centered strategies in the management of MASH.
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PCP Screening for MASH/MASLD: Identifying At-Risk Patients
July 2025
In this episode, Jeremy Davis, NP from Gastrointestinal Specialists in Shreveport, Louisiana, discusses the vital role of primary care screening for MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). With the rising prevalence of metabolic co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, early identification of at-risk patients is more critical than ever. Jeremy outlines practical and evidence-based strategies for screening in the primary care setting, starting with simple tools like the FIB-4 score—which relies on common lab values—and how to interpret results to guide referrals to hepatology or GI specialists. He also discusses the downstream workup upon referral, including non-invasive tests like FibroScan, ELF score, and liver ultrasound. Treatment fundamentals such as the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and weight loss remain the cornerstone of care, while emerging therapies like GLP-1 agonists and resmetirom offer new options for high-risk patients. Whether you’re a PCP, APP, or specialist, this episode offers clear guidance on how to incorporate MASLD screening into everyday workflows to catch liver disease early and optimize outcomes.
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Alcohol and MASLD/MASH: Navigating the Complex Relationship
November 2025
In this insightful session from the GHAPP MASLD Community Network, Alison Moe, PA-C, dives into the complex and often misunderstood relationship between alcohol use and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Drawing from clinical experience, Alison explains why accurately screening, quantifying, and discussing alcohol consumption with patients is essential to understanding disease progression, treatment eligibility, and overall liver health. She outlines how continued alcohol use can alter liver function tests (LFTs), confound noninvasive test results, and affect candidacy for emerging MASH pharmacotherapies. Viewers will learn how to approach sensitive conversations about drinking habits without stigma, interpret AASLD alcohol threshold guidelines, and apply effective counseling strategies for patients with combined alcohol-related and metabolic liver disease. Alison also discusses the role of PEth urine testing, lifestyle counseling, and the importance of complete abstinence for those with advanced fibrosis. This educational talk provides clinicians with actionable insights to support patients in improving their metabolic and liver health through honest communication, behavioral change, and evidence-based management.
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NITs: A Practical Overview: Navigating the Basics
July 2025
In this practical and engaging overview, Janet Gripshover, nurse practitioner and nurse manager for the Cedars-Sinai Liver Transplant Program, breaks down the essentials of non-invasive testing (NITs) for assessing fibrosis in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). She explains the critical distinction between MASLD and MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis), highlighting why early identification of aggressive liver disease is essential—even in patients without cirrhosis. Janet reviews key NIT tools, including FibroScan, MR elastography, and serum biomarkers like FIB-4 and ELF score, providing clinical insights on interpreting results, integrating them into risk stratification, and tailoring next steps for patient care. Viewers will learn when to act on elevated liver stiffness, how to interpret CAP scores, and why weight loss and comorbidity control remain foundational treatments. Whether you're new to hepatology or seeking a refresher on navigating fibrosis assessments, this video offers a clear, actionable framework to help prevent disease progression and optimize outcomes for patients with fatty liver disease.
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NITs: A Practical Overview: Navigating the Basics
November 2025
Learn how non-invasive testing (NITs) is transforming fibrosis assessment in patients with MASLD and MASH. In this educational talk, Sarah Dawkins, NP, from Duke University Liver Clinic, breaks down the differences between simple steatosis (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH), explains when and how to use serum-based tests like FIB-4 and ELF, and explores the advantages and limitations of imaging tests such as FibroScan and MRI elastography. Discover how to interpret results, avoid false positives, and determine when hepatology referral or biopsy is needed. Perfect for clinicians managing metabolic liver disease and looking to integrate non-invasive testing into everyday practice.
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LFTs Demystified: A Practical Guide For APPs
July 2025
In this GHAPP MASLD Community Network podcast, Jessica Crimaldi, NP, from the Cleveland Clinic, provides practical, real-world insights into interpreting liver function tests (LFTs) in the context of MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (steatohepatitis). Drawing on over a decade of experience in GI and hepatology, Jessica explains common ALT and AST elevation patterns that should prompt a diagnostic workup, even in asymptomatic patients. She reviews the hepatocellular vs. cholestatic patterns of injury, the value of the R-factor calculator in identifying the likely etiology of liver enzyme abnormalities, and how to differentiate MASH from other liver diseases such as PBC, viral hepatitis, or bile duct obstruction. The episode also addresses key non-liver labs like triglycerides, A1C, and cholesterol, and how they contribute to assessing metabolic risk. Finally, Jessica discusses the role of serial LFT monitoring in evaluating treatment response—highlighting what it means when liver enzyme levels fall and why "normal" LFTs don’t always indicate disease resolution. Whether you're a primary care provider or hepatology specialist, this podcast offers valuable guidance for early detection, risk stratification, and longitudinal monitoring of patients with MASH.
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LFTs Demystified: A Practical Guide for APPs
July 2025
In this informative session, Anthony Derencius, PA-C and sub-investigator at Pinnacle Clinical Research, provides a practical and accessible breakdown of liver function tests (LFTs) and liver-associated enzymes, with a focus on their role in diagnosing and monitoring fatty liver disease—including MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). Drawing from years of experience in both general and transplant hepatology, Anthony explains how to interpret key markers like ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and GGT. He emphasizes why elevated or even normal LFTs don’t always tell the whole story, and how a full workup—including viral hepatitis panels, autoimmune markers, alcohol-related labs, imaging, and non-invasive fibrosis assessments—can help uncover the root cause of liver injury. This video also walks viewers through when to consider additional tools like FIB-4, ELF score, FibroScan, or even liver biopsy. Whether you're a primary care provider or hepatology specialist, this session will sharpen your ability to distinguish between benign lab variations and signs of serious liver disease, ultimately supporting earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for your patients.
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