This nationwide, population-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis in both the general population and high-risk groups in China, using data from over 5.7 million adults who underwent health check-ups between 2017 and 2022. Steatosis and fibrosis were evaluated via transient elastography, and the results were stratified by demographic and clinical risk factors. A mixed effect regression model was used to identify independent predictors associated with liver abnormalities.

The study found a high prevalence of liver steatosis (44.39%), severe steatosis (10.57%), advanced fibrosis (2.85%), and cirrhosis (0.87%). Males and individuals with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or elevated liver enzymes had significantly higher rates of both steatosis and fibrosis. Fatty liver, decreased albumin or platelet counts, and hepatitis B infection were also linked to higher fibrosis rates. Most cardiovascular and chronic liver disease risk factors were independent predictors of steatosis and fibrosis, except dyslipidemia for fibrosis. These findings underscore the need for routine screening and risk stratification in high-risk populations, particularly those with diabetes, to better manage the growing burden of liver disease in China.

Reference: Man S, Deng Y, Ma Y, et al. Prevalence of Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in the General Population and Various High-Risk Populations: A Nationwide Study With 5.7 Million Adults in China. Gastroenterology. 2023 Oct;165(4):1025-1040. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.05.053. Epub 2023 Jun 26. PMID: 37380136.