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The effect of weight loss on pediatric nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease

David E St-Jules1, Corilee A Watters, Ken Nagamori

  • 1Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 1955 East West Road, Agriculture Science 314 J, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.

ISRN Gastroenterology
|June 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Weight loss did not significantly reduce weight or BMI z-score in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, alanine aminotransferase levels decreased, suggesting weight changes alone may not indicate treatment success in pediatric NAFLD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern.
  • Obesity is a primary risk factor for NAFLD in children.
  • Effective treatment strategies for pediatric NAFLD are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of weight loss on pediatric NAFLD.
  • To assess changes in liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase) in relation to weight changes.
  • To determine if weight and BMI z-score are sufficient indicators of treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 81 overweight pediatric NAFLD patients.
  • Data collected from 2000 to 2010.
  • Analysis of changes in weight, BMI z-score, and alanine aminotransferase over time.

Main Results:

  • Alanine aminotransferase levels decreased significantly at multiple follow-up intervals (1-4 months, 9-12 months, beyond 1 year).
  • Body weight and BMI z-score did not show significant reductions during the study periods.
  • Changes in weight and BMI z-score were not associated with changes in alanine aminotransferase.

Conclusions:

  • Weight loss alone may not be sufficient to improve liver enzyme levels in pediatric NAFLD.
  • BMI z-score and body weight changes may not adequately reflect treatment efficacy in pediatric NAFLD.
  • Further research is needed to identify better indicators of treatment response in pediatric NAFLD.

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