Browsing by Author "V. Lazarus, Jeffrey"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    NAFLD: Challenges and opportunities to address the public health problem in Latin America
    (2021) Pablo, Arab Juan; Antonio, Diaz Luis; Melisa, Dirchwolf; Mark, Henry E.; V. Lazarus, Jeffrey; Vaughan, Elly; Mendez-Sanchez, Nahum; Oliveira, Claudia P.; Gadano, Adrian; Arrese, Marco
    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Collectively, Latin American countries have some of the highest obesity rates in the world and the fastest-growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since obesity and T2DM are intrinsically linked with NAFLD, epidemiological projections are worrisome. In addition to this adverse epidemiological setting, the region of Latin America faces unique challenges and obstacles to addressing the growing burden of NAFLD. In this article, on the occasion of the International NASH Day on June 10, 2021, we describe the main challenges and opportunities to improve care of people living with NAFLD in Latin America. Among the major challenges to be tackled are: lack of disease awareness, limited educational opportunities for healthcare personnel and general public, health system fragmentation, and lack of effective strategies for the prevention and effective treatment of NAFLD and common comorbidities, namely obesity and T2DM. Wide dissemination of current concepts on NAFLD, and extensive collaboration between scientific societies, governments, non-governmental organizations, pharmaceutical industry, and other stakeholders is urgently needed to advance the NAFLD public health policies agenda that allows us to address this disease with a whole of society approach. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Espa?a, S.L.U. on behalf of Fundaci?n Cl?nica M?dica Sur, A.C. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The burden of liver disease in Latin America
    (2024) Diaz, Luis Antonio; Villota-Rivas, Marcela; Barrera, Francisco; V. Lazarus, Jeffrey; Arrese, Marco
    Liver disease poses a substantial burden in Latin America. This burden is primarily attributed to a high level of alcohol consumption and the increasing prevalence of risk factors associated with metabolic dysfunctionassociated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), such as sedentary lifestyles, easy access to ultra-processed foods, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These epidemiological trends are cause for concern, especially considering that there are significant challenges in addressing them due to disparities in access to liver disease screening and care. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the current situation regarding liver disease in Latin America. We also discuss recent multinational proposals designed to address the growing MASLD burden via its integration into existing non-communicable diseases policies, at both local and global levels. Additionally, we emphasize the urgent need to establish effective public health policies that target both MASLD risk factors and excessive alcohol consumption. Furthermore, we discuss the development of liver transplantation programs, areas for improvement in medical education and research capabilities, and how the fostering of extensive collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial for addressing liver disease in the region. (c) 2023 Fundaci & oacute;n Cl & iacute;nica M & eacute;dica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier Espa & ntilde;a, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)