1608-P: Prevalence and Predictors of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in African Immigrants

Introduction and Objective: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the U.S., yet data on MASLD among U.S. immigrants, particularly African immigrants are limited. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of MASLD in African immigrants in the Africans in America cohort. Methods: In 610 African-born Blacks without significant alcohol intake (0-6 drinks/week), [male:60% (369/610), age:39±11y (mean±SD), BMI:27.7±4.6kg/m2], MASLD was defined as Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) > 36 in the presence of at least one cardiometabolic risk factor (any criterion of metabolic syndrome). The HSI is an algorithm that incorporates BMI, AST/ALT ratio, sex, diabetes status to predict hepatic steatosis. Glucose tolerance status was assessed using the OGTT. Demographic and metabolic factors were compared between participants with and without MASLD using Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-squared tests, as appropriate. Results: The prevalence of MASLD was 55% (333/610) and did not vary by sex: males 52% (193/369) vs females 58% (140/241), p=0.16. Participants with MASLD were older, with a median age (IQR) of 39y[33-49] vs 34y[28-42], p<0.01 and had lived longer in the U.S (11[4-20] vs 8y[3-17], p=0.05). Compared to people without MASLD, more participants with MASLD had an annual income ≥ 40k (56% v 47%, p=0.02). MASLD was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension (38% vs 24%), abnormal glucose tolerance (47% vs 27%), both p<0.01. Participants with MASLD exhibited higher markers of adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, visceral adipose tissue), and a worse lipid profile: higher LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and higher triglycerides, all p<0.01. Conclusion: Over half of the African immigrants in this cohort met criteria for MASLD, highlighting the need for further evaluation. Key predictors included older age, longer duration of U.S. residence, higher income, abnormal glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia. Disclosure K. Ntabadde: None. E.A. Huefner: None. M. Sayed: None. G.G. Smith: None. C. DuBose: None. A.E. Sumner: None.