Breaking boundaries: Unraveling metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children of India and Canada

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease in children. Its prevalence is rising globally, yet it is uncertain if its onset and severity vary between countries. We aimed to compare pediatric NAFLD in two Canadian and Indian tertiary care centers. Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort study and patient related details were retrieved from the electronic records and reviewed. Results: The study analyzed a total of 184 children with NAFLD/MASLD (94 from the Indian site and 89 from the Canadian site) with concordance between NAFLD and MASLD definitions. The Indian children had a higher proportion of symptomatic presentations and family history of metabolic disorders ( p = 0.0001) while the Canadian children had higher median weight, BMI, blood pressure, and waist circumference ( p < 0.05). Indian children had higher hepatic transaminases and low density lipoprotein levels, while the Canadian site had higher serum insulin, blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, liver stiffness, and controlled attenuation parameter values ( p < 0.05). Majority (78%) of the Canadian children who underwent liver biopsy had significant fibrosis (>stage 2). In the overall cohort, waist circumference could be identified as an independent risk factor, irrespective of country of origin, predicting hepatic fibrosis. Conclusions: The study found significant differences between cohorts. Canadian children showed higher obesity grades and greater hepatic steatosis and fibrosis severity. To comprehend the underlying causes, future studies are imperative.