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Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease in Children: A Growing Public Health Problem

Sébastien Le Garf1, Véronique Nègre1, Rodolphe Anty2

  • 1Centre Spécialisé de l'Obésité PACA Est, Pôle Digestif-Anesthésie-Réanimation-Endocrinologie (DARE), CHU, Membre de l'Université Côte d'Azur, 06204 Nice, France.

Biomedicines
|December 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern, particularly in children. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this condition and its severe complications.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly NAFLD, is a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally.
  • MAFLD encompasses a spectrum from fatty liver to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
  • Rising childhood obesity rates are increasing the incidence of severe MAFLD at younger ages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of pediatric MAFLD.
  • To discuss epidemiology, risk factors, and pathogenic mechanisms.
  • To outline diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pediatric MAFLD.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current scientific literature on pediatric MAFLD.
  • It examines epidemiological data, etiological factors, and disease progression.
  • Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are analyzed based on existing research.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric MAFLD prevalence ranges from 3% to 10% globally.
  • Obesity is a primary driver of MAFLD in children and adolescents.
  • MAFLD is the predominant cause of chronic liver disease in this age group.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric MAFLD is a significant and increasing health issue.
  • Understanding risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms is vital.
  • Early diagnosis and effective management strategies are essential for improving outcomes.

Keywords:
MAFLDNAFLDobesitypediatric

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