Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Latin America and Australia.

The epidemiologic and demographical features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary significantly across countries and continents. In this review, we analyze current data regarding prevalence of NAFLD in Latin America and Caribbean and Australia and review some peculiarities found in these regions. We stress the need of greater awareness of NAFLD and the development of cost-effective risk stratification strategies and clinical care pathways of the disease.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Cuba.

Introduction: With a global adult prevalence of 24%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health problem that parallels the worldwide increase of obesity. Its frequency, clinical characteristics and related diseases in Cuba remain unknown.

Objective: Describe the clinical characteristics, comorbidities and personal habits of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are being treated in secondary and tertiary health facilities in seven Cuban provinces.

The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH) position statement on the redefinition of fatty liver disease.

The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado; ALEH) represents liver professionals in Latin America with the mission of promoting liver health and quality patient care by advancing the science and practice of hepatology and contributing to the development of a regional health policy framework. Fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction is of specific concern in the ALEH region, where its prevalence is one of the highest globally, second only to the Middle East. A recent consensus from an international panel recommended a new definition of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, including a shift in name from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and adoption of a set of positive criteria to diagnose the disease, independent of alcohol intake or other liver diseases.

Autoimmune Hepatitis in Cuban Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Histological Profiles, Treatments, and Outcomes.

Background: Population-based studies on the clinical course and prognosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) from Caribbean countries are limited.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide information regarding the clinical and laboratory findings, histological profile, treatments, and outcomes of patients with AIH with long-term follow-up in a tertiary referral center.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed at the National Institute of Gastroenterology in Havana, Cuba, by enrolling 82 patients with a well-documented, long-term clinical course of AIH.

Current Condition of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Cuban Adults.

Background: The reduction of the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Cuba can be attributed to the effectiveness of the national immunization program. However, the number of patients with chronic HBV observed in clinical practice is not negligible.

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the main clinical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.