Epidemiological trends and burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in the Middle East and North Africa region: a 32-year analysis of health impact.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition marked by excess liver fat, ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Updated reports on the epidemiology of MASLD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are needed. This study aimed to report the trends in the MASLD burden in the MENA region from 1990 to 2021, as well as age and sex patterns and their association with the sociodemographic index (SDI).

Methods: Data on the incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality of MASLD in 21 countries within the MENA region from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the GBD 2021 study. The relationship with the SDI and the burden attributable to risk factors, such as high fasting plasma glucose and smoking, were examined.

Results: Between 1990 and 2021, the MENA region experienced a 13.8% increase in the age-standardized incidence rate, reaching 1,037.6 per 100,000 population. The age-standardized prevalence saw a rise of 26.4%. Women experienced a higher increase in incidence than men. The highest rates of DALYs were observed among older adults. Countries with a high SDI faced a greater disease burden. High fasting plasma glucose accounted for the largest burden of MASLD.

Conclusions: The study found that the incidence and prevalence of MASLD in the MENA region increased significantly from 1990 to 2021, especially in areas with high SDI. High fasting plasma glucose was the most significant attributable risk factor, highlighting the need for metabolic interventions.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.