Faculty Collaboration Database

Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Gastroenterol Nurs 2008;31(2):115-9

Date

04/09/2008

Pubmed ID

18391799

DOI

10.1097/01.SGA.0000316530.31366.6e

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-41949125138 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease related to excessive accumulation of hepatic fat, and represents a spectrum of liver disease ranging from fat accumulation alone (steatosis) to the more significant histologic finding of steatohepatitis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a progressive liver disease associated with increased risk of liver cirrhosis and cancer. NAFLD is becoming increasingly prevalent in the pediatric population in direct correlation with the emergence of childhood obesity as a significant pediatric health problem. The exact pathophysiology of NAFLD remains unclear, although the interplay of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and release of proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in the process. The diagnostic workup and treatment for NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis remains controversial. This review discusses current concepts regarding the natural history, pathophysiology, and management of pediatric patients with NAFLD.

Author List

Lerret SM, Skelton JA

Author

Stacee Lerret PhD Professor Hybrid in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Age of Onset
Algorithms
Bariatric Surgery
Biopsy
Child
Child Nutrition Disorders
Decision Trees
Diagnosis, Differential
Disease Progression
Early Diagnosis
Fatty Liver
Humans
Life Style
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Neoplasms
Liver Transplantation
Obesity
Pediatric Nursing
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Vitamin E