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Abnormal liver function in children with metabolic syndrome from a UK-based obesity clinic

Christina Wei1, Anna Ford, Linda Hunt

  • 1Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Transaminitis is common in obese children and linked to metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes improving BMI SDS effectively correct transaminitis, making it a key therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Liver Health

Background:

  • Obesity in children is a growing concern with potential metabolic complications.
  • Transaminitis (elevated liver enzymes) is increasingly observed in pediatric obesity.
  • The link between transaminitis, glucose metabolism, and metabolic syndrome in obese children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of transaminitis in obese children.
  • To explore the association between transaminitis, glucose metabolism, and metabolic syndrome.
  • To evaluate the impact of weight loss via lifestyle modification on transaminitis.

Main Methods:

  • 216 obese children underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), lipid profiles, and liver function tests.
  • Metabolic syndrome was defined using the 2007 International Diabetes Federation criteria.
  • A subset of 90 children participated in a 12-month lifestyle modification program.

Main Results:

  • 16% of children had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, more common in boys and those with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
  • Transaminitis was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome and subtle glucose metabolism abnormalities.
  • Improved BMI SD score (SDS) after lifestyle intervention correlated with reduced ALT levels.

Conclusions:

  • Transaminitis is prevalent in obese children and linked to metabolic syndrome components.
  • Lifestyle-based weight management is an effective strategy for improving transaminitis in this population.
  • Therapeutic strategies for obese children should prioritize lifestyle modifications to address transaminitis.
Abstract

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