PhD defence Leen Joke-Marie Heyens

Keywords:  Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease or fatty liver disease, Detection, Prevalence, Risk factors 

"Towards a Better Detection of People with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease"

Steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world. It is caused by fat accumulation in the liver, combined with risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. This thesis demonstrates that the disease not only damages the liver (from inflammation to scarring) but also affects overall health. The research also shows that in the GP practices studied, as many as 61% of people have fatty liver disease. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at particularly high risk. Notably, simple diagnostic tests commonly used are not always accurate enough. Therefore, this study advocates a multidisciplinary approach and the development of improved diagnostic tools. Early detection is crucial: with timely lifestyle adjustments, the liver can recover, and further complications can be prevented.

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