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Many European countries lack an informed health response to NAFLD

Recently published data revealed an inadequate public health response to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in European countries, according to a study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.

“To assess this growing public health threat, we aimed to determine the existence of policy documents either specifically focused on NAFLD/NASH or encompassing them in related disease/condition policies,” Jeffrey V. Lazarus, PHD, of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health Faculty of Medicine, and colleagues wrote. “We also aimed to explore NAFLD awareness and capture details of clinical guidelines for prevention, monitoring, testing, diagnosis and treatment in European countries.”

In 2018 and 2019, experts in NAFLD from 29 European countries completed a survey on policies, guidelines, awareness, monitoring, diagnosis and clinical assessment within their own country. Data were then collected, quality checked against official documents and evaluated to determine if each country was prepared for NAFLD.

Results found that none of the 29 European countries that participated in the study had national strategies for NAFLD. Various results in each section of assessment in the European countries lacked specification on NAFLD and instead combined it with obesity and alcohol reports.

The study concluded that these countries lacked an informed response to NAFLD in policies, guidelines, health systems’ organization and epidemiological initiatives. Further, the researchers argued that because NAFLD is a worldwide health concern, it is important for these European countries to modify their strategies and documentation to be better prepared.

“A comprehensive approach, including formatting policy, developing clinical practice guidelines and conducting research, is needed to effectively tackle NAFLD in Europe,” the researchers wrote. “If the current growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases is any indication, health systems should turn their attention to NAFLD in order to raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyles.” – by Erin T. Welsh

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.