Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is associated with an elevated risk of both liver-related and all-cause mortality [Younossi et al. 2017]. It is closely related to the triple epidemic of obesity, pre-diabetes, and diabetes; NASH prevalence estimates range from 1-6% in the general population [Williams et al. 2011], and 25-30% among patients with diabetes and obesity [Machado et al. 2006]. The prevalence of NASH is expected to increase by 63% between 2015 and 2030 [Estes et al. 2018].
There are several diagnostic tests and treatments in development that will dramatically expand opportunities for diagnosis and management of patients with NASH.
In anticipation of these changes, the American Gastroenterological Association issued a “Call to Action” to better understand the NASH landscape and align gastroenterologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists, and primary care to improve diagnosis and management of NASH patients.
The multidisciplinary initiative aims to align gastroenterologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists and primary care providers to improve diagnosis and management of NAFLD/NASH.
The initiative is comprised of the following:
Needs Assessment Survey
In May 2020, AGA conducted a survey among 751 gastroenterologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists and primary care physicians, which found significant gaps among all respondents in their knowledge about who to screen and how to diagnose and treat patients at high risk for NASH.
Call-to-Action Conference
On July 10, 2020, AGA convened leading experts in gastroenterology, hepatology, endocrinology and primary care to align on an action plan to prepare for the NASH epidemic.
NAFLD/NASH Clinical Care Pathway
A practical tool for clinicians to use at the point-of-care, the pathway provides evidence-based recommendations about the timing, sequence and provision of interventions, assisting practitioners in identifying, evaluating and managing patients with NASH.
NASH: Take Action! Podcast Series
This six-episode podcast series features interviews with world-renowned experts in NAFLD, NASH and metabolic syndrome providing practical information for healthcare professionals on screening, diagnosing and managing these conditions.
The execution of this initiative is supported by Knighten Health LLC, a medical education and communications company founded in 2009. The Knighten Health team are innovators in health education and communication that connect experts and organizations around common interests in health and amplify important medical insights to accelerate improvements in patient care.
This initiative is supported by independent medical education grants from Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,Pfizer Inc., Allergan and Genfit.
The accredited podcast series was supported by an independent medical education grant from Novo Nordisk Inc.