Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis.
What is STELLA?
(STEatotic Liver disease in Latin America) is a multinational research program on steatotic liver disease in Latin American populations.
The program began as a retrospective data collection effort across centers in Latin America, which produced the first regional characterizations of MASLD, ALD, and MetALD and laid the scientific foundation for a dedicated prospective cohort.
The STELLA prospective study was launched in November 2024 and is coordinated by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, in collaboration with the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health VCU and participating centers across the region.
Our goal is simple: to generate high-quality regional evidence on the epidemiology, natural history, genetics, and clinical outcomes of the three subtypes of steatotic liver disease recognized under the 2023 multisociety nomenclature:
MetALD — the overlap of metabolic dysfunction and increased alcohol intake
ALD — Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
As of April 2026, STELLA has enrolled 813 participants across 14 centers in 6 countries. By the end of 2026, we aim to reach at least 1,200 participants with prospective follow-up.
Why this matters
Latin America carries one of the highest burdens of steatotic liver disease in the world.
The regional prevalence of MASLD is estimated at over 30% — higher than the global average — driven by rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, and sustained alcohol consumption. Genetic factors, including the PNPLA3 I148M variant (present in roughly 60% of the general Latin American population), further increase risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Despite this, most of what we know about MASLD, MetALD, and ALD comes from cohorts in North America, Europe, and Asia. Latin American patients have been systematically underrepresented in the evidence base that shapes clinical guidelines. STELLA was built to close that gap.
What we are doing
STELLA is building a centralized, de-identified, prospective clinical database that captures:
Demographic and clinical characteristics of MASLD, ALD, and MetALD patients
Liver imaging, elastography, and biopsy data
Alcohol use patterns, including moderate use, binge patterns, and other substances
Genetic polymorphisms associated with progression
Lean phenotypes of MASLD and ALD
Long-term liver and extrahepatic outcomes
Data are collected in an electronic case report form (eCRF) hosted on REDCap and managed centrally by the principal investigators. Enrollment includes a prospective cohort with scheduled follow-up, plus a healthy control arm.
Despite this, most of what we know about MASLD, MetALD, and ALD comes from cohorts in North America, Europe, and Asia. Latin American patients have been systematically underrepresented in the evidence base that shapes clinical guidelines. STELLA was built to close that gap.
Why participate?
For patients: Enrolling in STELLA means your clinical data helps generate the first large-scale, region-specific evidence on a disease that disproportionately affects Latin Americans. Your information is de-identified and kept strictly confidential. Participation does not change your medical care.
For clinicians and centers: Joining STELLA connects you to an international research network, gives access to a well-curated regional dataset, and creates opportunities for co-authorship on publications, training, and grant collaborations.
[Become a STELLA center →]
At a glance
Study type
Prospective multinational cohort (preceded by a retrospective phase)