Care Pathways for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A State-of-The-Art Review

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a growing clinical challenge, necessitating effective diagnostic strategies to identify advanced liver fibrosis while minimising unnecessary referrals of mild cases. Current clinical guidelines recommend care pathways utilising non-invasive tests (NITs) to stratify patients, but the optimal diagnostic algorithm across care settings remains unclear. This state-of-the-art review systematically examines studies describing clinical care pathways for detecting advanced fibrotic MASLD and stratifying patients at risk. A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, finalised in January 2026, identified nine relevant studies that met predefined criteria including structured care plans and applicability beyond diagnosis alone. Pathway populations included patients at risk for MASLD (type 2 diabetes (n = 4) or broad range cardiometabolic risk factors (n = 1)) or confirmed MASLD (n = 4). The most frequently employed NITs were FIB-4 and vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Numbers needed to screen (NNS) for hepatology referral and advanced fibrosis detection varied considerably across pathways and populations, reflecting heterogeneity in design and fibrosis assessment methods. All studies reported improved patient risk stratification; attendance rates declined at each pathway step. Findings suggest that NIT-based clinical care pathways can effectively align patient management and optimise transmural care for MASLD. Nonetheless, heterogeneity in pathway design and fibrosis determination highlights the need for standardised protocols and validation in larger, at-risk cohorts to strengthen evidence supporting widespread adoption. This review contributes to advancing MASLD management within evolving clinical frameworks.