- Prevalence of MASH varied widely across studies, ranging from 18% to 68%, indicating substantial epidemiological burden.
- MASH diagnosis associated with increased mortality, reduced quality of life and greater healthcare utilisation, worsening further with advanced disease stages.
- Socio-economic burden substantial: hospitalisations drive costs; annual per-patient costs ranged from 4,994€ (Italy) to 9,541€ (UK), higher in advanced stages.
J Endocrinol Invest. 2026 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s40618-026-03007-x. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in the past known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that poses significant epidemiological, clinical and socio-economic challenges. Given the limited availability of data on disease burden, this systematic literature review aimed to describe epidemiology, mortality, quality of Life (QoL) and socio-economic burden associated with NASH/MASH.
METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed (Medline) and Embase using the terms “NASH/MASH” and terms related to epidemiology, mortality, QoL and resource utilization and costs. The search covered publications from January 1, 2014, to January 16, 2024, and was restricted to articles published in English, Italian and Spanish. A two steps screening phase was performed, and relevant data were extracted from the included articles following a full-text assessment.
RESULTS: Among the retrieved studies, 25 included epidemiological data, 14 addressed mortality, 11 focused on QoL, and 9 focused on resource utilization and economic burden. Within the different populations assessed, the prevalence of NASH/MASH ranged from 18% to 68%. Diagnosis of NASH/MASH was associated with increased mortality, reduced QoL and higher use of healthcare resources. Advanced stages of disease were associated with further deterioration of QoL and increased use of healthcare facilities. Hospitalization is the main cost driver, followed by outpatients visit and therapies. Annual costs per patient varied geographically, from 4,994€ in Italy to 9,541€ in the UK, with advanced stages associated with significantly higher costs.
CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that MASH poses a significant epidemiological, clinical and socio-economic burden on the NHS and society. The marked heterogeneity across available studies underscores the need for updated research adopting the current disease definition. Further evidence is required to better characterise disease burden across stages of severity and to inform the development and implementation of effective strategies for improved disease management.
PMID:42570203 | DOI:10.1007/s40618-026-03007-x
Share Evidence Blueprint
Save to Google Notes
Search Google Scholar
Save as PDF
⭐ My Revision List
