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Association Between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Sleep Habits in Children with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated

Behzat Ozkan1, Ishak Abdurrahman Isik2, Atike Atalay2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Health Sciences, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Türkiye.

Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology
|February 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep disturbances are common in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Gut issues significantly impact sleep quality in these children, highlighting the need for comprehensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Reduced sleep quality in children is linked to obesity and fatty liver disease.
  • Limited research exists on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms' impact on sleep in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of GI symptoms and sleep disturbances in children with MASLD.
  • To investigate the association between GI symptoms and sleep disturbances in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 176 children (8-18 years), including 84 with MASLD and 92 controls.
  • Assessed sleep disturbances using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and GI symptoms via the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).
  • Used logistic regression to identify predictors of sleep disturbances, adjusting for metabolic confounders.

Main Results:

  • 69.9% of participants experienced sleep disturbances; MASLD group showed higher prevalence (89% vs 57%).
  • Independent predictors of sleep disturbances included low family income, high total GSRS score, and elevated HOMA-IR.
  • MASLD diagnosis was not a significant independent predictor after adjustment; Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score (NFS) correlated with both sleep and GI issues.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances and GI symptoms are prevalent in children with MASLD, with GI issues significantly associated with poorer sleep.
  • Children with MASLD and higher fibrosis risk may experience more sleep disturbances.
  • Clinical evaluation of children with MASLD should include assessment for co-occurring sleep and GI disorders.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childrengastrointestinal symptomsmetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseaseobesitysleep quality

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