The Impact of Racial Disparities on Liver Disease Access and Outcomes.

Purpose of Review: We aim to review 1) the changing epidemiology of liver disease and the impact that systematic differences in the opportunities for ethnic and racial minorities to gain access to care have had on mortality and 2) community interventions aimed at reducing disparities. Recent Findings: There continues to be disparities in acute/chronic viral hepatitis. The success of the campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis depends on innovative initiatives like home-based screening in highest risk communities and improved access to treatment. We describe increasing rates of high-risk drinking and a need for culturally tailored treatment. We discuss rising rates of non-alcohol associated fatty liver disease and the need for improved education of patients and providers. Data on disparities in mortality in cholestatic liver diseases are emerging; qualitative data on barriers to care are needed. Summary: Understanding racial disparities in liver disease is only the first step. Achieving health equity will take innovative initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]