Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Children

Stavra A Xanthakos

doi:10.1016/j.cld.2022.05.001

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Children

Clin Liver Dis. 2022 Aug;26(3):439-460. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.05.001.

Author

Stavra A Xanthakos¹

Affiliation

¹ Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's, Department of Pediatrics, Director, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. Electronic address: stavra.xanthakos@cchmc.org.

PMID: 35868684
DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.05.001

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. Although environmental factors are major contributors to early onset, children have both shared and unique genetic risk alleles as compared with adults with NAFLD. Treatment relies on reducing environmental risk factors, but many children have persistent diseases. No medications are approved specifically for the treatment of NAFLD, but some anti-obesity or diabetes treatments may be beneficial. Pediatric NAFLD increases the risk of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors. Long-term prospective studies are needed to determine the long-term risk of hepatic and non-hepatic morbidity and mortality in adulthood.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Cirrhosis; Liraglutide; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Vitamin E.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Humans
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / epidemiology
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / genetics
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / therapy
Obesity
Risk Factors