Non-invasive testing and risk-stratification in patients with MASLD.

The development and validation of non-invasive fibrosis tests (NITs) has changed clinical practice in Hepatology over the last 15 years. Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most prevalent liver disease in western countries, with up to a third of the unselected adult population affected. In this article, we review the use of NITs in the diagnosis and staging of MASLD. We discuss their use in the diagnosis of steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis and critically evaluate recently published data. These NITs include a variety of approaches, such as serum markers like FIB-4, pro-C3 and ELF, imaging techniques like Fibroscan® and MRE, and combined scores like Agile 3+ and Agile 4, offering a range of options for healthcare providers. Furthermore, these non-invasive tests also serve as valuable prognostic tools, allowing for better risk assessment and improved patient management, particularly in predicting liver-related events and overall mortality. • Non-invasive tests are the first step in the assessment of patients with MASLD. • Widely available non-invasive tests, such as the FIB-4, can be used for the initial assessment of patients with MASLD in primary care or endocrinology settings. • Sequential algorithms of FIB-4 followed by Fibroscan or the ELF test can optimise patient referrals to hepatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]