Data Trends 2025: Hepatology

Screening rates in veterans are low for a variety of hepatologic diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV).^1,2 The veteran population has a high prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, which are risk factors for MASLD.^1,3 Veterans receiving VHA care also have a higher prevalence of HCV compared to the general US population.⁴ The VHA has achieved high HCV treatment and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates due to widespread use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).⁴ Within 5 years of diagnosis, about 2.5% of patients with MASLD progress to cirrhosis, with higher rates observed in certain races and ethnicities, as well as in those with elevated fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index scores.³ HCV also increases risk of more advanced liver disease.⁴ Cirrhosis increases mortality risk in patients, particularly in those with MASLD and a BMI under 25.⁵