Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease in the paediatric age. The growing prevalence of NAFLD and its advanced phenotype, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in children and adolescents parallels similar trends in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This trend may have serious long-term implications, including hepatic and extra-hepatic morbidity and mortality, the latter being related mostly due to cardiovascular disease and malignancies. This narrative review, which included 236 articles, summarizes current evidence on paediatric NAFLD, including pathophysiology, risk factors, complications, prevention and treatment (existing and emerging). Early recognition of NAFLD followed by timely and adequate management seems to be important on an individual basis. A global call to action regarding paediatric NAFLD seems appropriate to mitigate the burden of this disease.

Automated summary

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common liver disease among children. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD and its advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in young people parallels the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This trend has significant long-term implications, including increased morbidity and mortality due to liver and non-liver related conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This review summarizes current knowledge on pediatric NAFLD, including its causes, complications, prevention, and treatment options.