Nonalcoholic Liver Disease in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease in children. The spectrum of NAFLD ranges from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis. Obesity rates in children continue to rise and, as a result, NAFLD in children is becoming more prevalent. The pathophysiology, natural history, and progression of disease are still being elucidated but NAFLD/NASH in children may represent a more severe phenotype that will benefit from early identification and management.

Keywords: Fatty liver disease; NAFLD; NASH; Pediatric; Steatohepatitis.