Validation of the Dallas Steatosis Index to Predict Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the UK Biobank Population

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health crisis that affects one quarter of the world population.1 Preventing either cardiometabolic or liver-related complications by achieving weight loss and resolving hepatic steatosis would be the central goal of a NAFLD screening program in the primary care setting. Despite the overwhelming prevalence and the multimodal impact on health posed by NAFLD, specialty society guidelines do not recommend screening for NAFLD in the general population,2 partly owing to the as-yet unproven cost benefit.