Guidelines stress GP role in liver disease care

An RACGP expert has welcomed a new consensus statement on the management of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), saying it clarifies ‘the importance of primary care’s role’ in supporting patients with the disease.
 
Published this week in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), the statement covers the assessment and treatment of MAFLD in primary care.
 
Among its key recommendations is that the condition should be considered in adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity or two or more other metabolic risk factors.
 
It states that MAFLD is the most common chronic liver condition in Australia, with chronic liver disease cited as the country’s ninth leading cause of fatal burden in 2023 by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
 
‘To date there has been a lack of clear and current guidance on its detection and management,’ an MJA editorial states.
 
‘So why does MAFLD matter? If left unchecked, MAFLD will be an increasingly important public health issue.
 
‘With a holistic approach to patient care and the ability to engage patients, general practitioners are ideally placed to implement the new guidelines.’
 
Dr Gary Deed, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes, confirmed there has been ‘a lack of clarity of the importance of primary care’s central role in the assessment and management of MAFLD’.
 
‘These guidelines assist simple and meaningful strategies to support many people with this condition,’ he told newsGP.
 
‘The populations at risk comprise multiple general practice populations with chronic metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and people suffering from obesity and CVD.
                                                                                   
‘GPs, by following the guidelines, will help prevent people from progressing through fibrosis to further liver disorders including cirrhosis.’ 
 
According to the MJA, the guidelines are ‘aimed towards individuals working in primary care’.
 
It said GPs are in ‘a unique position’ to implement the guidelines, and assess and monitor patients’ ongoing liver and metabolic health.
 
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