Investigating the Correlation Between Clinical and Laboratory Findings With the Degree of the Fatty Liver Using Sonography in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of fatty liver disease is increasing among children. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between clinical and laboratory findings with the degree of fatty liver deposition, in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 323 pediatric patients with suspected fatty liver disease, who underwent a liver sonogram. The amount of fatty infiltration, within the liver, was assessed. The clinical data include age and body mass index (BMI), which were collected from their medical records. Results: The liver sonogram revealed fatty infiltration in 212 (66%) of the patients. Of those patients, 120 (38%) displayed mild infiltration, 65 (20%) exhibited moderate infiltration, and 27 (8%) demonstrated severe infiltration. Patients with severe fatty infiltration had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The different levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), among patients, with varied degrees of fatty infiltration, were not statistically significant. Conclusion: A liver sonogram can be utilized to assess liver damage and inflammation, in pediatric patients, with fatty liver disease. Sonographers should prioritize evaluating the liver size, hepatic vasculature, and liver parenchyma for signs of fatty infiltration. Monitoring ALT levels appears to be crucial in managing pediatric patients, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).