11 Sept 2024 • It has often been hypothesized that MASLD and particularly MASLD-associated progressive liver disease may have developmental origins in early life.

In a nationwide study of young individuals with biopsy-proven MASLD, low birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA) were strongly associated with development of MASLD and progressive liver disease.

• Those with low birth weight had a fourfold higher risk of developing MASLD and were six times more likely to experience progressive liver disease.
• Similarly, SGA was linked to a threefold higher risk of MASLD and nearly five times the risk of progressive liver disease.

These findings underscore the importance of early screening for MASLD in newborns with these risk factors to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

Source: JAMA | Read full story