Open AccessFatty liver in childhood
Author(s) -
Yeşim Öztürk,
Tuba Tunçel
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
world journal of hepatology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 55
ISSN - 1948-5182
DOI - 10.4254/wjh.v6.i1.33
Subject(s) - medicine , nonalcoholic fatty liver disease , cirrhosis , hepatocellular carcinoma , insulin resistance , obesity , fatty liver , disease , childhood obesity , liver disease , genetic predisposition , weight loss , gastroenterology , pediatrics , overweight
Fatty liver is a growing health problem worldwide. It might evolve to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and cause hepatocellular carcinoma. This disease, which has increased because of eating habits, changes in food content and lifestyle, affects people from childhood. The most important risk factors are obesity and insulin resistance. Besides these factors, gender, ethnicity, genetic predisposition and some medical problems are also important. Cirrhosis in children is rare but is reported. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has no specific symptoms or signs but should be considered in obese children. NAFLD does not have a proven treatment. Weight loss with family based treatments is the most acceptable management. Exercise and an applicable diet with low glycemic index and appropriate calorie intake are preferred. Drugs are promising but not sufficient in children for today.