Prevalence of MASLD and fibrosis assessed by transient elastography in U.S. adolescents: insights from NHANES 2017-2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common but understudied disease in adolescents. We aimed to estimate the updated prevalence of MASLD and related fibrosis among US adolescents using transient elastography.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 to March 2020 and August 2021 to August 2023 among adolescents ages 12-19 years. Steatotic liver disease was assessed using the median controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis by median liver stiffness measurement.

Results

A total of 2588 participants were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 15.4 [2.3] years; 1366 male participants [52.8%]). The overall age-adjusted prevalence of MASLD was 21.0% (95% CI:

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751582 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature