Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Obesity is significantly increasing in Korean adolescents and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is soon expected to be the most common chronic liver disease in children. The symptoms of NAFLD run a broad spectrum and NAFLD in children can lead to the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and can increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved with liver biopsy. However, recent advances have shown alternative methods of screening and following patients with noninvasive biomarkers and radiologic imaging studies. The histopathology differs between children and adults, and the mechanism is expected to differ as well. Several factors, such as genes and environmental stressors work intricately to produce NAFLD. Promising medications have been reported for the management of NAFLD. However, their therapeutic effectiveness has yet to be determined. Dietary and exercise interventions remain the mainstay of treatment. By maintaining an interest in obesity and NALFD in children, NAFLD should be diagnosed early and appropriate lifestyle changes should be counseled and encouraged. (Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011; 14: 209∼221)