Slug: World Liver DayAhmedabad: Between 2021 and 2025, the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) carried out 367 liver transplants. Such transplants are required when the liver fails and standard medical treatment is no longer able to sustain the patient. An analysis by IKDRC experts showed that nearly one in four transplant patients, or 24%, suffered from chronic liver disease (CLD) linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).Dr Pranjal Modi, director of IKDRC and head of the liver transplantation programme, said that compared to traditional causes of liver failure, MASH has been rising over the past few years. “This year’s World Liver Day theme, ‘Solid habits, Strong liver,’ sends a clear message, as most cases seen at our facility are related to lifestyle factors. Obesity is a major concern and often exists along with type-2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. As a result, treating liver failure becomes more complex,” he said. In 2025, city-based hospitals conducted more than 100 liver transplants, a number considerably higher than the annual average of the preceding five years, experts said. Alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and C leading to cirrhosis and eventual liver failure, as well as genetic causes, are among the reasons for liver failure. Dr Bhavin Vasavada, liver and HPB surgeon at Shalby Hospital, said a notable trend over recent years has been the increase in MASH cases among comparatively younger patients, often involving complicated conditions due to multiple coexisting illnesses. “This is a preventable disease with a balanced lifestyle. Liver failure frequently occurs because of delayed diagnosis or interruption in ongoing treatment. Therefore, timely medical intervention is strongly recommended,” he said. The liver, one of the largest internal organs in the human body, carries out vital functions such as filtering toxins, metabolizing carbohydrates and fats, regulating blood sugar levels, and storing essential vitamins and minerals. Dr Modi added that this year’s theme should prompt people to focus on increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, millets and pulses, undergoing regular blood tests and maintaining healthy body weight. “Among the Indian population, the prevalence of ‘slim-fat’ individuals is high, and therefore weight alone should not be used as the only indicator,” he added.
