Prevalence Study of MASLD in Adolescent and Young Adult Pacific Islanders and Asians Living in Hawai’i

Abstract

Abstract Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 30.1% while clinical practice observations reflect a disproportionately lower prevalence of 1.9%, indicating a condition that is underrecognized in clinical care settings. Screening for MASLD is rarely performed, and little is known about the prevalence in Hawai’i. Objective This pilot aims to develop an understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with MASLD in Hawai’i's adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. Design/Methods Cross-sectional observational pilot study: We used Fibroscan®—liver ultrasonographic vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify MASLD based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores ≥238 (dB/m) and collected biometric, anthropometric, and Beverage Intake Questionnaire (sugar-sweetened beverage) survey data. Setting The study took place at community clinics in Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu. Participants One hundred individuals were evaluated, age 14 to 34 years. Main Outcome Measures We used VCTE Fibroscan® with CAP scoring to identify the presence of hepatocyte steatosis (fatty liver). Results Overall MASLD prevalence in the sample was 44% (95% confidence interval: 34.1%-54.3%). In participants with MASLD, obese Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (62%) and nonobese Asians (43%) had the highest rates of MASLD. Conclusion This pilot evaluation of the AYA NHOPI and Asian MASLD population in Hawai’i shows a higher rate of MASLD than those reported in other parts of the United States. Larger population health studies are indicated to expand our knowledge of MASLD in the Hawaiian Islands.