Description

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can occur in pediatric patients. A number of findings can help to identify a pediatric patient who should be screened for this disorder. A child with undiagnosed NAFLD may go on to develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.


 

Patient selection: pediatric patient <= 18 years of age

 

Findings that may identify a pediatric patient at risk for NAFLD:

(1) overweight or obese

(2) insulin resistance, hyperinsulemia or type 2 diabetes mellitus

(3) elevated serum lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides)

(4) hypertension

(5) persistent elevation of liver function tests (GGT, ALT, AST) for which there is no explanation

 

Additional groups at risk:

(1) male

(2) Hispanic

 

Afro-American children tend to have a lower risk.

 


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