An increasing number of children with obesity have also given rise to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) globally, among children. Determining the risk factors of NAFLD in childhood will help to prevent NAFLD as it is asymptomatic in the early stage. A study determined the possible risk factors of NAFLD in children with obesity, to aid in monitoring and formulating prevention strategies at an early stage for obese children with NAFLD.

The study utilized the data collected from 428 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years. Based on ultrasound results and alanine transaminase levels, participants were categorized into three groups: simple obesity (SOB), simple steatosis (SS), and nonalcoholic fatty hepatitis (NASH); and were subjected to Blood biochemical examination (glucose, insulin, uric acid, lipid profile and liver enzymes).

The results demonstrated-

• 9% of children had SS 
• 5% of children had NASH. 
• NASH group demonstrated a significantly higher Body mass index, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), body fat, waist circumference, liver enzymes, uric acid and HOMA-IR level contrasting the SS and SOB groups. 
• 3%, 49.8% and 19.6% of children of the SS group, NASH and the SOB group respectively had metabolic syndrome.
• BMI-SDS ≥ 3, gender, hyperuricemia and insulin resistance were found to be associated with NASH

It was concluded that the NASH in children with obesity is prevalent pertaining to its close association with high BMI-SDS, gender, insulin resistance and hyperuricemia. Thus liver disease can be prevented at an early stage by monitoring risk factors of childhood obesity.

Source: Peng L, Wu S, Zhou N, et al. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children with obesity. BMC Pediatr 2021;21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02595-2