Metabolic Dysfunction and Its Role in Steatotic Liver Disease

Investigating the Link Between MASLD and Abdominal Pain

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) affects an estimated 1.7 billion people worldwide.

While most cases are asymptomatic, 10–35% of patients report abdominal pain.

The link between MASLD and abdominal pain, however, remains poorly understood.

This study aims to explore clinical variables to clarify and characterize this relationship.

Predictors of Abdominal Pain in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Analysis

A single-center, retrospective study was conducted involving 378 initial visits for patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) from November 2022 to October 2023.

The study collected and analyzed demographic data and clinical information, including metabolic syndrome-related risk factors, laboratory results, and patient-reported symptoms, specifically focusing on the presence or absence of abdominal pain.

Factors with a p-value of ≤ 0.10 identified in bivariate analysis were subsequently included in logistic regression analysis to determine potential predictors of abdominal pain in MASLD patients.

Key Results on MASLD and Abdominal Pain

Prevalence of Abdominal Pain:

16% of patients reported abdominal pain at the initial visit.

Among these, 72% were female (p = 0.03).

Prevalence of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI):

Only 2.4% of patients had a prior DGBI diagnosis.

DGBI was a statistically significant factor (p < 0.01).

Other Significant Factors:

Higher HDL levels (p = 0.07).

Prior cholecystectomy (p < 0.01).

Statin use (p = 0.03).

Predictors of Abdominal Pain:

Significant Predictor:

Prior DGBI diagnosis (OR: 6.7; p = 0.04).

Trend Toward Significance:

Prior cholecystectomy (OR: 2.03; p = 0.09).

Key Insight

The findings confirm the prevalence of abdominal pain among MASLD patients, aligning with existing data.

Notably, despite DGBI affecting over 40% of the general population, the low DGBI diagnoses in this cohort suggest possible underdiagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders in MASLD patients.

This study underscores the need for further research to understand the nature of abdominal pain in MASLD, identify risk factors, and explore overlaps with conditions like DGBIs.

By - Eeshan Aggarwal

Reference: Hepatology. Volume 80, Issue S1. Abstract Supplement for The Liver Meeting by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), November 15-19, 2024, San Diego, CA.