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Prevalence of fatty liver and its related factors in children
Mahnaz Sadeghian1, Mehdi Vafadar2, Ala Torabi3
1Associated Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Department of Pediatric, Ali Asghar Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Childhood fatty liver disease is prevalent, especially in those with obesity and metabolic conditions. Lifestyle changes like increased exercise and walking can help prevent and manage this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hepatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood fatty liver disease is a significant health concern with potential long-term implications like adult liver fibrosis.
- Obesity and diabetes are key risk factors contributing to the rising incidence of fatty liver in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of fatty liver disease in a pediatric population.
- To identify associated risk factors and lifestyle influences in children with fatty liver.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 2526 children.
- Data collection included demographic information, blood tests (AST, ALT, ALP, glucose), liver ultrasound, and assessment of physical activity (walking, exercise).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of fatty liver was found to be 37 out of 2526 children.
- Higher BMI (>-30), metabolic illness, and hypoparathyroidism were significantly associated with fatty liver (P=0.02).
- Reduced exercise and walking to school showed a significant association with fatty liver disease (P<0.05), with most cases being Grade 1.
Conclusions:
- Exercise and weight loss are crucial in managing childhood fatty liver disease.
- Lifestyle modifications and obesity prevention are key strategies to mitigate liver damage in children.
Background:
Fatty liver disease is a severe liver condition that affects youngsters. Liver disease in children increases the incidence of liver fibrosis in their adulthood. Due to the importance of this disease and related factors in children, such as diabetes and obesity, our study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of fatty liver in children.
Materials And Methods:
This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done in Ali Asghar Hospital from June 2020 to December 2020. Demographic characteristics and prevalence of fatty liver were assessed. Blood samples were obtained after ten hours of fasting to assess AST, ALT, ALP, and blood glucose levels. Ultrasound was also used to check the health of the liver. Walking to school and exercising were also assessed. Data were analyzed using statistical software.
Results:
This research included 2526 children, and 37 of them had fatty liver. Fatty liver was more common in children with a BMI greater than 30, as well as metabolic and hypoparathyroid illness (P = 0.02). A significant association was observed between exercise and walking with fatty liver disease (P < 0.05). The majority of the individuals had grade 1 fatty liver (75.5%). Grade 1 fatty liver was seen in 90% of those who did not participate in athletics and 95% of those who did not walk to school. In addition, 94% of patients who exercised for less than ten minutes had grade 1fatty liver.
Conclusion:
Initially, exercise and weight loss had an essential effect on fatty liver disease. In fact, lifestyle changes and prevention of obesity may reduce liver damage.
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