A recent review published in the Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology presented current epidemiological trends of the most common liver diseases in Asia-Pacific countries:

• In this geographical region, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome and concomitant liver diseases are the major factors resulting in chronic liver injury and end-stage liver pathology.
• HBV remains the primary cause of cirrhosis. Despite the declining prevalence in most Asian nations, this virus poses a severe threat in some territories.
• Mortality resulting from HBV infection is declining as a result of preventive measures and antiviral treatments.
• In addition, the expanding implementation of HBV vaccination has been effective in reducing the incidence of liver cancer, particularly in countries like China.
• The epidemiological transition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has changed in this region in the past few decades, but the medical burden of infection and the prevalence of its related cancers has been on the rise.
• The need for managing the rising prevalence of HCV infection highlights the requirement of novel treatment strategies.
• The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing owing to the urbanized lifestyles and dietary changes.
• This condition is associated with the development of cardiovascular and kidney diseases.
• Individualized treatments should be imparted to patients with NAFLD along with continuous support for lifestyle modification.
• Meanwhile, liver cancer is prevalent particularly in China, Vietnam, North Korea and Thailand.
• Strategies to control liver diseases involve—monitoring of populations at-risk, implementation of national guidelines, increasing awareness among public and healthcare professionals, and improving access to health care.

Source: Wong MC, Huang JL, George J, Huang J, Leung C, Eslam M, Chan HL, Ng SC. The changing epidemiology of liver diseases in the Asia–Pacific region. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2019;16(1):57-73.