Recent advances in the epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children

Abstract

Children with obesity are at risk for numerous health problems, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review focuses on progress made in the epidemiology of NAFLD in children for the years 2015-2020. The estimated prevalence of NAFLD in children with obesity is 26%. The incidence of NAFLD in children has risen rapidly over the past decade. An understanding of the reasons for this rise is incomplete, but over the past 5 years, many studies have provided additional insight into the complexity of risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and associated comorbidities. Risk factors for NAFLD are wide-ranging, including perinatal factors involving both the mother and newborn, as well as environmental toxin exposure.Progress made in the noninvasive assessment will be critical to improving issues related to variability in approach to screening and diagnosis of NAFLD in children.The list of serious comorbidities observed in children with NAFLD continues to grow.Notably, for many of these conditions, such as diabetes and depression, the rates observed have exceeded the rates reported in children with obesity without NAFLD.Recent advancements reviewed show an increased awareness of this problem, while also calling attention to the need for additional research to guide successful efforts at prevention and treatment.

The Effect of BMI, Age, Gender, and Pubertal Stage on Bone Turnover Markers in Chinese Children and Adolescents

“…This issue poses a heavy economic burden on health systems and becomes a major health risk factor for individuals. Obesity-related metabolic diseases, such as hypertension ( 3 ), hyperlipidemia ( 4 ), coronary artery disease ( 5 ), insulin resistance ( 6 ), diabetes mellitus ( 7 ), and fatty liver disease ( 8 ) are the research hotspots in many published literature. Bone health has only recently drawn the attention of researchers.…”

Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase 7 (MBOAT7)-driven phosphatidylinositol remodeling in advanced liver disease

“…Although NAFLD is a chronic and progressive disease where end-stage manifestations such as cirrhosis and HCC are usually present in adults, there has been a striking increase in the prevalence of NAFLD in young children and adolescents (19,20). Evidence is just now emerging that MBOAT7 loss of function may also be linked to pediatric NAFLD progression.…”

Banting memorial lecture 2022: ‘Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Partners in crime’

“…4,5 It is now estimated that NAFLD affects a quarter of the world's adult population 6 and a further concern is that the epidemic of obesity, metabolic dysfunction and T2DM in young people 7 will likely increase the prevalence and complications of NAFLD in the near future. 8,9 Data from NHANES (1999-2016) and NHANES III (1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994) have also been used to investigate national estimates and temporal trends for NAFLD, based on different fibrosis severity. 10 In this study, NAFLD was determined by ultrasound showing moderate to severe steatosis.…”