The Progression and Natural History of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Clin Liver Dis. 2016 May;20(2):325-38. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2015.10.003. Epub 2015 Dec 14.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Childhood NAFLD is associated with hepatic and nonhepatic morbidity and mortality. Nonhepatic associations include cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, and psychological disorders. Cardiovascular conditions observed in childhood include left ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, childhood obesity is associated with greater odds of having hepatocellular carcinoma as an adult. Evidence suggests that NAFLD may begin in utero in children of diabetic mothers. Thus rigorous efforts for structured diagnosis and follow-up are a priority to better develop the understanding of outcomes in pediatric NAFLD.

Keywords: Adolescents; Children; Epidemiology; Morbidity; Mortality; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Obesity; Outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Disease Progression*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Metabolic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / epidemiology*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / pathology