Addressing Unmet Needs Across the Spectrum of MASLD and MASH in the Hispanic/Latino Community-Hispanic Heritage

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar examined disparities in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), MASH, and liver transplantation among Hispanic and Latino communities.<br /><br />Hispanic adults experience a high and varied burden of MASLD and MASH, often developing disease earlier and facing elevated risks of advanced fibrosis and liver cancer. Yet care frequently falls short: many people remain undiagnosed, risk assessments and specialist referrals are uncommon, and access to approved treatments is uncertain. Genetic risk, metabolic conditions, and social and structural barriers all contribute. Speakers recommended improving awareness, using electronic health tools to support screening and referrals, expanding access to non-invasive testing, and providing culturally and linguistically tailored care. Community health workers and federally qualified health centers may help connect patients to care.<br /><br />In transplantation, Hispanic candidates are less likely to receive a liver transplant and more likely to die or be removed from the waitlist than non-Hispanic white candidates. Delayed referral, insurance and financial barriers, language and health-literacy gaps, and geographic access contribute. Hispanic patients also face delayed liver cancer diagnosis, which can limit transplant eligibility. However, those who receive transplants often have excellent long-term outcomes—the “Hispanic paradox.” Speakers emphasized that these outcomes do not diminish the importance of unequal access. They called for earlier diagnosis and referral, stronger community outreach, and more representative healthcare workforces.

Keywords

MASLD

MASH

Hispanic health disparities

liver transplantation

advanced fibrosis

liver cancer

screening and referral

culturally tailored care