Increased risk of acute exacerbation in obstructive airway disease: the impact of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and small airway dysfunction.

ABSTRACT:

Background and study aim

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common metabolic and liver condition that leads to systemic inflammation. Obstructive airway diseases (OADs) are characterised by chronic airway inflammation, with small airway dysfunction (SAD) regarded as an early indicator. However, it is unknown whether MASLD contributes to SAD or the risk of acute exacerbation (AE) in OAD.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 2572 patients who underwent spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and abdominal CT scans were enrolled. Patients were divided according to MASLD status to compare their pulmonary function and clinical outcomes, including OAD AE over a follow-up period of up to 6 years.

Results

349 patients exhibited MASLD (

SUBMITTER: Tseng CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12666205 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature