Lessons learned from viral hepatitis testing that inform law and policy responses to steatotic liver disease.

Liver diseases account for 1 in 25 deaths worldwide. Owing to the asymptomatic nature across the dynamic spectrum of steatotic liver disease (SLD) and the absence of targeted screening programmes, individuals at risk of progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unlikely to pursue liver disease testing. Historically, hepatitis B and C were the leading causes of liver injury that can progress to cirrhosis or HCC. Global efforts to implement screening and vaccination programmes, expand testing and treatment, and encourage active viral hepatitis case finding followed the widespread availability of curative treatment for hepatitis C and effective suppressive therapy and vaccines for hepatitis B, further supported by changes in law, regulation and public policy. With encouraging declines in new viral hepatitis infections in many countries, greater attention should turn to SLD, now the leading global indicator for cirrhosis and HCC. Screening and active case finding for SLD lag far behind its increasing prevalence, leaving most people undiagnosed. This Expert Recommendation draws on lessons learned from legal, regulatory and policy changes required to combat the viral hepatitis public health threat. Our recommendations can contribute to a concerted shift in legal frameworks and policies to enhance screening programmes, increase testing and improve health outcomes.

Duke Scholars

Author Cynthia Ann Moylan Medicine, Gastroenterology