You’ve probably heard of Fatty liver disease – but did you know that ‘fatty liver’ is now an outdated term? As of June 2023, a new nomenclature was announced by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) where Steatotic liver disease (SLD) was chosen as an overarching term to encompass the various aetiologies of steatosis, previously known as Fatty liver disease.
The new terminology now represents the complexity and severity of the disease and more accurately reflects the disease’s strong association with metabolic dysfunction. It also removes the association with alcohol consumption, which can be confusing.
Let’s explore the new names. They may seem confusing at first, but they are more specific.
MASLD, formerly known as NAFLD, is the most common chronic liver disease around the world, affecting more than 30% of global population. This was why it was vital that the global liver community coalesce around an affirmative, non-stigmatising name and diagnosis.
Ultimately, the global members of the Nomenclature Development Initiative were focused on ensuring the global community had better nomenclature that could be used around the world so that the research and funding could be better directed to save more people’s lives.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.