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July 2025
In this expert-led session, Elizabeth Alqueza, PA-C, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, discusses the critical importance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in patients with steatotic liver disease, including MASLD and MASH. HCC is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and early detection is vital for improving survival outcomes. Using a real-world case study, Elizabeth highlights risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and advanced fibrosis—and underscores the growing role of MASH in HCC development, even in the absence of cirrhosis. She outlines best practices for staging, the importance of early referral to hepatology, and AASLD-recommended surveillance protocols using ultrasound and AFP testing every 6 months. The video also explores systemic barriers to screening and actionable strategies to improve adherence, such as EMR alerts, streamlined imaging protocols, and improved coordination between primary care and hepatology. This presentation is essential viewing for healthcare professionals managing patients with liver disease, offering practical tools to enhance HCC detection and optimize long-term outcomes.
Related Podcast
Podcast: Alcohol and MASLD/MASH: Navigating the Complex Relationship
June 2025
In this powerful and highly educational episode, Scott Springer, PA-C at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY, explores the complex and often overlooked relationship between alcohol use and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). Drawing from his dual expertise in hepatology and addiction medicine, Scott outlines the importance of accurately assessing alcohol use when diagnosing MASLD, MASH, MetALD, or ALD—emphasizing that MASLD and MASH are diagnoses of exclusion and heavily influenced by alcohol consumption thresholds. He discusses best practices for screening, including patient-centered, nonjudgmental interviewing, the use of biomarkers like PEth and urine ethyl glucuronide, and how these tools enhance accuracy and accountability in care. Scott reviews national guidelines that recommend alcohol abstinence for patients with chronic liver disease and presents data showing how even small reductions in alcohol use can significantly lower the risk of cirrhosis. He also unpacks the challenges of interpreting liver tests in patients with ongoing alcohol use, the limitations of non-invasive testing like FibroScan and FIB-4, and how alcohol may disqualify patients from emerging pharmacotherapy such as resmetirom. Finally, he highlights the promising potential of GLP-1 medications in managing both liver fibrosis and alcohol use. This episode is essential listening for hepatology providers, addiction specialists, and any clinician involved in the care of patients with coexisting liver disease and substance use disorders.
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Podcast: Pharmacotherapy for MASH/MASLD: An Overview
June 2025
In this informative episode, Lindsay Yoder, PA, a hepatology expert at Indiana University, provides a comprehensive overview of current pharmacotherapy options for MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis), focusing on the first FDA-approved medication, resmetirom (brand name: Rezdiffra). Speaking directly to the MASLD/MASH Community Network, Lindsay breaks down the key histologic endpoints that led to resmetirom’s conditional approval—namely, fibrosis improvement without worsening of steatohepatitis, and MASH resolution without worsening fibrosis. She shares real-world data from clinical trials showing that resmetirom nearly doubles the rate of fibrosis improvement and triples MASH resolution compared to placebo. Lindsay also explains how the drug works: as a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, resmetirom improves hepatic lipid metabolism, reduces liver fat, and dampens inflammation—all key drivers of MASH progression. She outlines ideal patient criteria (stage F2–F3 fibrosis without cirrhosis), safety considerations, tolerability, potential side effects, and statin interactions. With an emphasis on combining pharmacotherapy with lifestyle changes, this episode serves as a practical guide for clinicians treating patients with MASH who qualify for advanced intervention.
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Liver Model Overview
July 2025
Join Alison Moe, PA-C with United Digestive, as she walks through a hands-on demonstration using a life-sized liver model to help patients better understand fibrosis and liver disease progression. In this engaging and practical overview, Allison explains how different stages of liver fibrosis—from normal liver to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma—can be felt and visualized using a segmented anatomical model. She shares how this tool enhances patient education during discussions about non-invasive liver testing, such as FibroScan, CAP scores, FIB-4, ELF testing, and more. Designed to support visual learners and improve comprehension of disease state, this video is a valuable resource for clinicians and patients navigating the complexities of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and its progression to MASH. Learn how tactile and visual teaching aids can bridge the gap between diagnostics and patient understanding in hepatology care.
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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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Serological Workup: A Step-by-Step Guide
July 2025
In this comprehensive video, Sherona Bau, NP from UCLA, breaks down the essential hepatology workup for patients with MASLD (formerly NAFLD) and MASH, offering guidance for both primary care providers and GI/hepatology specialists. Drawing from her extensive clinical experience, she outlines a systematic approach to evaluating abnormal liver ultrasound findings—starting with critical labs to rule out chronic liver conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, autoimmune hepatitis, PBC, and hereditary hemochromatosis. Sherona discusses the importance of ordering ANA, AMA, ferritin, serologies, and even specialized labs like the phosphatidylethanol (PEth) test to uncover alcohol-related liver disease that may be overlooked. She emphasizes the need to screen for cardiometabolic risk factors including type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia and highlights non-invasive tests such as FibroScan and FIB-4 to help identify patients at risk of advanced fibrosis who may benefit from specialist referral. Most importantly, Sherona addresses the fears many patients face around liver disease progression and life expectancy, encouraging early intervention and coordinated care to improve long-term outcomes. This video is a must-watch for any clinician managing steatotic liver disease.
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Pharmacotherapy Review
July 2025
Join Christina Hanson, FNP-C, from South Denver Gastroenterology, as she provides an in-depth overview of the current pharmacologic treatment landscape for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). This expert-led session explores the three cornerstones of MASH management—lifestyle and weight loss interventions, cardiovascular risk reduction, and liver-directed therapy—while highlighting the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the recent FDA approval of resmetirom, the first medication indicated for adults with MASH and moderate to advanced fibrosis. Christina also discusses clinical trial data from MAESTRO-NASH, reviews historical agents like vitamin E and pioglitazone, and offers practical guidance on patient selection, safety considerations, and monitoring strategies. Whether you’re a GI provider, hepatology specialist, or primary care clinician managing fatty liver disease, this video provides valuable insights into how emerging therapies are shaping the future of MASH treatment.
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HCC Surveillance: Implementation in Patients with Advanced Fibrosis/Cirrhosis from MASH
July 2025
In this episode of the GHAPP MASLD Community Network podcast, Lisa Richards, a hepatology-focused nurse practitioner in San Diego, shares expert insights on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance for patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis due to MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). Lisa outlines which patients require routine HCC surveillance, emphasizing the importance of staging—particularly stages F3 and F4—and how AASLD guidelines guide surveillance strategies. She discusses recommended surveillance modalities, including ultrasound with AFP every six months, and introduces the LIRADS visualization score to help interpret imaging quality and follow-up needs. Lisa also addresses practical challenges in implementation, from patient education and engagement to overcoming barriers like cost, transportation, and care coordination. For advanced practice providers (APPs), this podcast delivers clear guidance on what to do when new liver lesions are detected and how to proceed with diagnostic imaging and referrals for multidisciplinary review or intervention. Empower your clinical practice with strategies that promote early detection and improve outcomes in patients at risk of HCC.
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Podcast: Discordant NITs, the Gray Zone
June 2025
In this episode, Gabriella McCarty, NP at Northshore Gastroenterology in Cleveland, Ohio, shares her deep clinical insights on the evolving landscape of MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) and MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis). With over 26 years of experience in private practice, Gabriella explains that the majority of fatty liver cases she encounters are found incidentally—often during evaluations for unrelated GI issues like GERD or routine colon screenings. She discusses the updated nomenclature from NAFLD to MASLD and outlines the cardiometabolic risk factors that inform diagnosis, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Gabriella emphasizes the importance of non-invasive assessments like FibroScan, FIB-4, ELF testing, and, in select cases, liver biopsy or MR elastography for accurate fibrosis staging. She also highlights the challenges of discordant test results and shares practical strategies for follow-up and monitoring. With a strong focus on lifestyle modification—promoting a Mediterranean diet, targeted weight loss, regular exercise, and alcohol avoidance—this episode provides essential education for providers managing patients with fatty liver disease, even when it's not the primary reason for the visit.
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Alcohol and MASLD/MASH: Navigating the Complex Relationship
July 2025
In this insightful video, Jordan Mayberry, a seasoned physician assistant at UT Southwestern in Dallas, explores the complex intersection of alcohol use and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including its progressive form, MASH. With over 12 years of hepatology experience, Jordan breaks down why accurate assessment of alcohol intake is essential—not just for diagnosis but for guiding patient management. Learn how to use motivational interviewing techniques to respectfully screen for alcohol use, quantify intake effectively, and differentiate between MASLD, MASH, and the emerging diagnosis of MetALD (metabolic dysfunction-associated alcoholic liver disease). Jordan also shares practical tips on managing patients with MASH who drink above recommended thresholds, including behavioral interventions, medications like acamprosate, and referral pathways such as SMART Recovery or addiction psychiatry. The video also highlights how ongoing alcohol use can skew liver function tests (LFTs), distort non-invasive testing (NIT) results like FibroScan or MRE, and potentially affect eligibility for future MASH pharmacotherapies. This session is a must-watch for clinicians aiming to provide holistic, evidence-based care to patients navigating the dual challenges of liver disease and alcohol use.
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Podcast: Role of Exercise in Liver Health
June 2025
In this engaging episode of the GHAPP MASLD/MASH Community Network podcast, Jonathan Yeh, PA at Columbia University Medical Center, discusses the essential role of exercise in liver health—especially in managing MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) and MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis). With over 14 years of hepatology experience, Jonathan breaks down the most effective types of physical activity, highlighting the benefits of combining aerobic and resistance training over high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone. He provides practical, personalized exercise recommendations tailored to patients’ physical abilities, access to resources, and comorbidities—including suggestions for those with mobility limitations or time constraints. Jonathan also offers motivational strategies to help patients overcome common barriers such as lack of time, motivation, or access to fitness facilities. From parking farther from a destination to lunchtime walks and home-based workouts using resistance bands, he emphasizes creative and realistic ways to build physical activity into daily routines. Beyond weight loss, he explains how exercise directly improves liver function by reducing liver fat, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and preventing fat and sugar buildup in the liver. This episode is a must-watch for clinicians and patients alike seeking to understand and implement exercise as a cornerstone in the management of fatty liver disease.
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