Data Trends 2025: Hepatology
Reviewed by:
Basile Njei, MD, PhD, MPH, Fulbright Professor of Global Health, Yale University; Associate Director, Yale Liver Center, New Haven, Connecticut. Basile Njei, MD, PhD, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Screening rates in veterans are low for a variety of hepatologic diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV).1,2 The veteran population has a high prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, which are risk factors for MASLD.1,3 Veterans receiving VHA care also have a higher prevalence of HCV compared to the general US population.4 The VHA has achieved high HCV treatment and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates due to widespread use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).4 Within 5 years of diagnosis, about 2.5% of patients with MASLD progress to cirrhosis, with higher rates observed in certain races and ethnicities, as well as in those with elevated fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index scores.3 HCV also increases risk of more advanced liver disease.4 Cirrhosis increases mortality risk in patients, particularly in those with MASLD and a BMI under 25.5
MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1More than half of the veterans with MASLD risk factors had FIB-4 scores that would prompt screening. Of those who were at risk, 9% received specialty care for liver disease, and 2% underwent elastography. Receiving a MASLD and cirrhosis diagnosis increased the odds of being seen by gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians by 5 and 8.3 times, respectively.
MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
Viral Hepatitis Screening Rates in Low-Income Veterans2Lifetime HBV and HCV screening rates and associated factors were assessed among 933 low-income veterans. The results showed suboptimal screening, particularly for those with HBV, with notable disparities among veterans experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.
Incidence of Cirrhosis in Veterans With MASLD3
Nearly 1 million veterans with noncirrhotic MSLD were followed from 2010 to 2022 to assess future incidence of cirrhosis.- MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
- MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1More than half of the veterans with MASLD risk factors had FIB-4 scores that would prompt screening. Of those who were at risk, 9% received specialty care for liver disease, and 2% underwent elastography. Receiving a MASLD and cirrhosis diagnosis increased the odds of being seen by gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians by 5 and 8.3 times, respectively.
- MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
- Viral Hepatitis Screening Rates in Low-Income Veterans2Lifetime HBV and HCV screening rates and associated factors were assessed among 933 low-income veterans. The results showed suboptimal screening, particularly for those with HBV, with notable disparities among veterans experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.
- Incidence of Cirrhosis in Veterans With MASLD3
Nearly 1 million veterans with noncirrhotic MSLD were followed from 2010 to 2022 to assess future incidence of cirrhosis. - MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
- MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1More than half of the veterans with MASLD risk factors had FIB-4 scores that would prompt screening. Of those who were at risk, 9% received specialty care for liver disease, and 2% underwent elastography. Receiving a MASLD and cirrhosis diagnosis increased the odds of being seen by gastroenterology and hepatology clinicians by 5 and 8.3 times, respectively.
- MASLD in At-Risk Veterans1
- Viral Hepatitis Screening Rates in Low-Income Veterans2Lifetime HBV and HCV screening rates and associated factors were assessed among 933 low-income veterans. The results showed suboptimal screening, particularly for those with HBV, with notable disparities among veterans experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.
- Incidence of Cirrhosis in Veterans With MASLD3
Nearly 1 million veterans with noncirrhotic MSLD were followed from 2010 to 2022 to assess future incidence of cirrhosis.
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