Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fibrosis Score (MAF-5) and Gallstone Prevalence: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using NHANES 2017-2020 Data

The study examined the relationship between the MAF-5 score (a non-invasive indicator of liver fibrosis) and gallstone prevalence in a sample of 15,560 participants from the national NHANES survey from 2017-2020. Results showed that the MAF-5 score was significantly higher in the gallstone group. Each unit increase in the MAF-5 score was associated with a 14% higher prevalence of gallstones. Individuals in the highest quartile of the MAF-5 score had a 2.12-fold higher prevalence of gallstones compared to those in the lowest quartile. This association remained consistent across different age groups, sexes, and ethnic groups. The researchers concluded that the MAF-5 score may be a useful tool for assessing gallstone prevalence in individuals with metabolic dysfunction.