Polypharmacy Among Older Adults with Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease - Report - MDSpire

Polypharmacy Among Older Adults with Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

  • By

  • Melinda Wang

  • Leena Usman

  • Benjamin Cho

  • Kenneth Covinsky

  • Jennifer C. Lai

  • July 14, 2026

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Polypharmacy in Elderly Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Overview

This study characterizes polypharmacy patterns and clinical risk factors in older adults with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Background

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly prevalent among older adults, often coexisting with multiple chronic conditions. The management of MASLD requires careful consideration of both liver health and age-related issues such as frailty and cognitive impairment. Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, poses significant risks, including drug interactions and reduced adherence.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Older adults with MASLD often experience polypharmacy, which can complicate treatment.
  • Polypharmacy is associated with increased risks of falls, frailty, and healthcare utilization.
  • Management of MASLD requires addressing both liver-specific outcomes and age-related vulnerabilities.
  • Chronic disease management in this population necessitates a tailored approach to medication management.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with polypharmacy in older adults with MASLD.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the complexities of medication management in older adults with MASLD.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 2023 -- Liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: epidemiology, risk stratification and therapeutics
  2. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023 -- Discriminating prevalent type 2 diabetes among community-dwelling older adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a comparative analysis of 12 insulin resistance surrogates
  3. Nature Medicine, 2023 -- Survodutide in adults with obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: SYNCHRONIZE-MASLD, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
  4. Clinical care pathway for the risk stratification and management of patients with MASLD, American Gastroenterological Association, 2026
  5. Frontiers in Medicine — The role of mitochondrial dynamics in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
  6. Efficacy of GLP-1-based Therapies on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  7. Clinical care pathway for the risk stratification and management of patients with MASLD  – American Gastroenterological Association
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