Work

Sex differences in the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in hospitalized patients: a single-center cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The influence of sex and age on the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among hospitalized patients remains unclear. Methods This cross-sectional study included 136,816 hospitalized adults (2014–2023) at the People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Hepatic steatosis was confirmed by ultrasonography. Sex-specific prevalence was analyzed across younger (18–50 years) and older (51–80 years) age groups. Results MASLD prevalence was 28.8% (39,431/136,816). MASLD patients were older than those without MASLD (median 58 vs. 53 years; P < 0.001). Within the hospitalized population, age-stratified analysis revealed sex-specific differences in the odds of MASLD reversal. Women aged 18–50 had a lower prevalence of MASLD than men (OR< 1, P < 0.001), whereas women aged 51-80 had a higher prevalence (OR> 1, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, calendar year, and sex × age interaction, the sex difference remained significant ( P < 0.001). Women aged 18–50 years had lower adjusted odds of MASLD than men (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.48–0.52), whereas women aged 51–80 years had higher adjusted odds (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.64–1.74). Comparing older women (aged 51–80) with younger women (aged 18–50), the prevalence of MASLD was significantly higher among older women ( P < 0.001). Among all patients, older hospitalized patients also exhibited more pronounced metabolic abnormalities, including elevated BMI (81.8% vs. 44.1%), elevated blood pressure (72.2% vs. 61.0%), and elevated triglycerides (44.6% vs. 20.8%) (all P < 0.001). Conclusion Early MASLD screening should be prioritized in hospitalized women aged 50 years and older and hospitalized men under 50 years, particularly those with metabolic prevalence factors, to enable timely intervention and reduce the development and progression of MASLD.

Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology

DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1942008

Authors: Zhemin Liu, Suosu Wei

Institution: The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Language: English

Topic: Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801