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Pediatric NAFLD: an overview and recent developments in diagnostics and treatment
Laura Draijer1, Marc Benninga1, Bart Koot1
1a Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition , Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children's Hospital , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|March 16, 2019
Summary
Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) requires better screening tools due to long-term health risks. New biomarkers and imaging may improve diagnosis and management for children with this common liver condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition in children and adults.
- NAFLD increases risks for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mortality.
- Current diagnostic and staging methods for pediatric NAFLD lack accuracy and non-invasive fibrosis detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in pediatric NAFLD epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To highlight emerging diagnostic tools for pediatric NAFLD.
- To emphasize the urgent need for effective pediatric NAFLD screening strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric NAFLD.
- Focus on new developments in diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and imaging.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Accurate non-invasive diagnostic methods for pediatric NAFLD are currently unavailable.
- Children with NAFLD face significant lifetime complication risks.
- Promising new biomarkers and imaging techniques show potential for improved screening.
Conclusions:
- An effective screening strategy for pediatric NAFLD is crucial due to long-term health implications.
- New pharmacological therapies are anticipated within five years.
- Advancements in biomarkers and imaging are essential for better diagnosis and management of pediatric NAFLD.
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