Nonalcoholic Liver Disease in Children and Adolescents

Clin Liver Dis. 2018 Nov;22(4):723-733. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2018.07.001. Epub 2018 Aug 22.

Abstract

Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease in children. The spectrum of NAFLD ranges from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis. Obesity rates in children continue to rise and, as a result, NAFLD in children is becoming more prevalent. The pathophysiology, natural history, and progression of disease are still being elucidated but NAFLD/NASH in children may represent a more severe phenotype that will benefit from early identification and management.

Keywords: Fatty liver disease; NAFLD; NASH; Pediatric; Steatohepatitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Mass Screening
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / diagnosis*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / drug therapy*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors