Page 32 - Care-for-vulnerable-populations-during-COVID-19-pandemic
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Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
and COVID-19
About fatty liver disease. The liver disease used to be called NAFLD, has changed to MAFLD.
MAFLD stands for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease. So, what happens to them if they
develop COVID-19? Why do I want to discuss this?
This is because MAFLD is very prevalent in Malaysia. In the general population, it is about
38%. But, if you're a type II diabetes, it is close to 50%. Even the young adults are also not
spared of metabolic associated fatty liver disease. In these studies, using non-invasive tests for
fatty liver disease either by ultrasound or using some simple parameters. You can calculate the
hepatic steatosis index. They found that patients with MAFLD have higher risk of COVID-19
disease progression, higher likelihood of abnormal liver function from admission to discharge
and longer viral shedding time.
