Hepatic Steatosis In Children Research Articles

Irisin as a marker of hepatic steatosis in children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate irisin, myonectin and high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (hs IL-6) levels in obese children and adolescents and to determine the association of these parameters with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. Sixty-one overweight/obese children with suspected liver disease and seventeen healthy controls were included in the study. MASLD was diagnosed according to the latest consensus. Circulating irisin, myonectin and hs IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The study group included 38 children meeting MASLD criteria and 23 children without diagnosed hepatic steatosis. The concentrations of the analysed myokines were comparable in the MASLD and non-MASLD groups. Patients with MASLD were further divided according to the severity of hepatic steatosis. Significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase, uric acid and irisin were observed in patients with severe hepatic steatosis compared to mild hepatic steatosis. There were borderline statistically significant positive correlations of irisin with ALT and AST. We revealed that elevated irisin levels were associated with the degree of hepatic steatosis in MASLD. We also found a borderline significant positive association of irisin with liver enzymes.

Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP): the clinical value based on MRI-PDFF in children with obesity.

Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a noninvasive and quantitative method to evaluate hepatic steatosis, which is not well evaluated in children. The aim ofthis study was to examine the diagnostic value of CAP forhepatic steatosis in children with obesity based on MR proton density fat fraction (PDFF). About 108 pediatric patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who were assessed for PDFF, CAP, and other laboratory results were enrolled. In this study, pediatric patients were separated for the obese group (n=80) and the severe obese group (n=28). Hepatic steatosis grades (0-3) were classified according to PDFF using cutoff values of 6.4 , 17.4, and 22.1 %. There are significant differences in CAP between the obese and severe obese groups (p<0.05). CAP showed a good correlation with PDFF in pediatric patients with NAFLDfor diagnosing hepatic steatosis using a cutoff valueof 265 dB/m (p<0.001). Meanwhile, ALT significantly outperforms CAP in receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis for diagnosing hepatic steatosis grades. The diagnostic accuracy of CAP for steatosis is 77.8 %, and the diagnostic accuracy of ALT for steatosis is 83.3 %. While CAP holds promise as a diagnostic tool for pediatric NAFLD, its diagnostic performance warrants some caution. The potential of CAP is evident; however, ALTemerges as a simpler and more accurate measure for detecting hepatic steatosis in children. Further research is essential to determine the optimal role of CAP in pediatric NAFLD diagnosis and management.

Clinical research of fibroscan ‒ TE-CAP at noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in children

Background & aimsThe authors assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Transient Elastography-Controlled Attenuation Parameter (TE-CAP) in children of Southern China. Methods105 obese or overweight children and adolescents were enrolled in the diagnostic test of TE-CAP assessment of hepatic steatosis using MRI-PDFF. Hepatic steatosis grades S0-S3 were classified. Statistical correlation, agreement and consistency between methods were evaluated. The diagnostic efficiency of TE-CAP was evaluated. The authors used the cutoff value of TE-CAP to detect hepatic steatosis in another 356 children. ResultsThe Area Under Curve (AUC) of TE-CAP for grade ≥ S1, ≥ S2, and ≥ S3 steatosis were 0.975, 0.984, and 0.997, respectively. For detecting ≥ S1 steatosis, TE-CAP had a sensitivity of 96 % and a specificity of 97 %. For detecting ≥ S2 steatosis, TE-CAP had a sensitivity of 97 % and a specificity of 93 %. For detecting ≥ S3 steatosis, TE-CAP had a sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 94 %. TE-CAP and MRI-PDFF had a linear correlation (r = 0. 0.87, p < 0.001). The hepatic steatosis was identified in 40.2 % (143/356) of children in which the obesity and overweight were 69.8 % (113/162) and 40.0 % (18/45). ConclusionTE-CAP showed excellent diagnostic accuracy in pediatric hepatic steatosis.

Sleep duration is associated with liver steatosis in children depending on body adiposity

Sleep is a factor associated with overweight/obesity risk, wherein interactions with fatty liver should be ascertained. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the possible relationships of sleep with liver health and whether this interplay is related to body adiposity distribution in children and adolescents. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were performed in children and adolescents (2–18 years old) with overweight/obesity (n = 854). Body fat distribution was clinically assessed, and several hepatic markers, including hepatic steatosis index, were calculated. Sleep time mediation (hours/day) in the relationship between the hepatic steatosis index and body fat distribution was investigated. Differences among diverse fatty liver disease scores were found between children with overweight or obesity (p < 0.05). Linear regression models showed associations between hepatic steatosis index and lifestyle markers (p < 0.001). Hepatic steatosis index was higher (about + 15%) in children with obesity compared to overweight (p < 0.001). Pear-shaped body fat distribution may seemingly play a more detrimental role on liver fat deposition. The association between sleep time and hepatic steatosis index was dependent on body mass index z-score. Post hoc analyses showed that 39% of the relationship of body fat distribution on hepatic steatosis index may be explained by sleep time. Conclusion: An association of sleep time in the relationship between body fat distribution and hepatic steatosis index was observed in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity, which can be relevant in the prevention and treatment of excessive adiposity between 2 and 18 years old. Clinical trial: NCT04805762. Import: As part of a healthy lifestyle, sleep duration might be a modifiable factor in the management of fatty liver disease in children.What is Known:• Sleep is an influential factor of overweight and obesity in children.• Excessive adiposity is associated with liver status in children and adolescents.What is New:• Sleep time plays a role in the relationship between body fat distribution and liver disease.• Monitoring sleep pattern may be beneficial in the treatment of hepatic steatosis in children with excessive body weight.

Prevalence of incidental sonographic findings of hepatic steatosis in children under 4years of age.

The age of onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its prevalence in young children is incompletely understood. We sought to evaluate the prevalence ofultrasound findings of hepatic steatosis in a cohort of children less than 4years of age. This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of ultrasounds performed on children less than 4years of age from January 2022 to August 2022 at a single quaternary care center.Two independent blinded reviewers evaluated for qualitative and semi-quantitative findings of hepatic steatosis. Per prior literature, hepatorenal index (HRI)>1.75 was used as a threshold suggestive of hepatic steatosis. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analyses were performed for univariable and multivariable statistical analyses. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between reviewers. Eighty-five males and 102 females, median age of 1.1years (interquartile range 2.1years), were included. Qualitative findings of hepatic steatosis were seen in 26/187 (14%; 95% CI 10-20%). An HRI>1.75 was present in 15/187 (8%; 95% CI: 5-13%) of examinations, including 11 females and 4 males, and 7/123 (6%) participants <2years old. Among participants with overweight or obesity, 8/43 (19%) had HRI>1.75 vs. 7/144 (5%) participants without overweight or obesity(P=0.004). Each percentile increase in anthropometrics percentile (weight-to-length or BMI, depending on age) was associated with 22 increased odds of HRI>1.75 (P=0.02). Prevalence of sonographic findings of hepatic steatosisin an unselected sample of preschool-age children is 8-14%, and aremore common in participants with overweight/obesity.

Which obesity index is the most useful marker for predicting hepatic steatosis in children and adolescents with obesity? A cross-sectional study using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the relationships between hepatic steatosis and various indices of obesity, and to identify the most useful index for the prediction of hepatic steatosis in children and adolescents with obesity. MethodsA total of 226 children and adolescents with a mean body mass index (BMI) z-score of 2.65 and a mean age of 11.4 years were subjected to anthropometric and body composition measurements, laboratory testing, abdominal fat mass assessment, and hepatic fat accumulation by magnetic resonance imaging-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). The participants were divided into quartiles according to the severity of their hepatic steatosis, and the presence of hepatic steatosis was defined using an MRI-PDFF ≥ 5%. ResultsThe multivariate ordinal regression analysis showed that the severity of hepatic steatosis was positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass, fat-free mass, visceral adiposity, and abdominal subcutaneous adiposity. Higher activities of liver enzymes and higher concentrations of triglyceride, C-reactive protein, fasting insulin, and leptin were associated with more severe hepatic steatosis, whereas high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and adiponectin were negatively associated with hepatic steatosis. The indices of obesity with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) > 0.8 for the prediction of hepatic steatosis were liver enzymes, visceral adipose tissue area, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. ConclusionThe severity of hepatic steatosis significantly correlated with various indices of obesity and cardiometabolic markers in children and adolescents with obesity. The indices of abdominal obesity would be the most useful for the prediction of hepatic steatosis.

An adult-based genetic risk score for liver fat associates with liver and plasma lipid traits in children and adolescents.

Genome-wide association studies have identified steatogenic variants that also showed pleiotropic effects on cardiometabolic traits in adults. We investigated the effect of eight previously reported genome-wide significant steatogenic variants, individually and combined in a weighted genetic risk score (GRS), on liver and cardiometabolic traits, and the predictive ability of the GRS for hepatic steatosis in children and adolescents. Children and adolescents with overweight (including obesity) from an obesity clinic group (n = 1768) and a population-based group (n = 1890) were included. Cardiometabolic risk outcomes and genotypes were obtained. Liver fat was quantified using 1 H-MRS in a subset of 727 participants. Variants in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GPAM and TRIB1 were associated with higher liver fat (p < .05) and with distinct patterns of plasma lipids. The GRS was associated with higher liver fat content, plasma concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and favourable plasma lipid levels. The GRS was associated with higher prevalence of hepatic steatosis (defined as liver fat ≥5.0%) (odds ratio per 1-SD unit: 2.17, p = 9.7E-10). A prediction model for hepatic steatosis including GRS alone yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95% CI 0.76-0.81). Combining the GRS with clinical measures (waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] SDS, ALT, and HOMA-IR) increased the AUC up to 0.86 (95% CI 0.84-0.88). The genetic predisposition for liver fat accumulation conferred risk of hepatic steatosis in children and adolescents. The liver fat GRS has potential clinical utility for risk stratification.

Comparison of MAFLD and NAFLD Characteristics in Children.

An international panel proposed a diagnostic framework for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in children. The aim was to compare the clinical features of MAFLD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The characteristic differences between NAFLD and MAFLD in children were compared with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 in the U.S. and the Comprehensive Prevention Project for Overweight and Obese Adolescents (CPOOA) study in China. In NHANES 2017-2018, regardless of which criteria were implemented, participants with hepatic steatosis were more likely to have higher BMI z-scores, a higher prevalence of hypertension or higher metabolic indices and higher non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (all p < 0.05). The cases diagnosed by those two definitions had a similarity of over 75%. More obese children were diagnosed with MAFLD than NAFLD (p < 0.001). However, approximately 19% of children with NAFLD present with normal weight and fasting glucose levels and cannot be diagnosed with MAFLD. The CPOOA study excluded viral infected liver disease and certain kinds of congenital causes of liver steatosis patients, resulting in children with NAFLD being identical with MAFLD children. Most clinical features were similar between children with MAFLD and children with NAFLD, and more than 75% of children with NAFLD can also be diagnosed with MAFLD. However, approximately 19% of children with NAFLD cannot be categorized as MAFLD. Therefore, to gain greater benefits from renaming NAFLD to MAFLD in pediatrics, the prevalence of different causes of hepatic steatosis in children needs to be understood.

Ultrasound attenuation imaging: a reproducible alternative for the noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children.

Pediatric hepatic steatosis is a global public health concern, as an increasing number of children are affected by this condition. Liver biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method; however, this procedure is invasive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction has been accepted as an alternative to biopsy. However, this method is limited by cost and availability. Ultrasound (US) attenuation imaging is an upcoming tool for noninvasive quantitative assessment of hepatic steatosis in children. A limited number of publications have focused on US attenuation imaging and the stages of hepatic steatosis in children. To analyze the usefulness of ultrasound attenuation imaging for the diagnosis and quantification of hepatic steatosis in children. Between July and November 2021, 174 patients were included and divided into two groups: group 1, patients with risk factors for steatosis (n = 147), and group 2, patients without risk factors for steatosis (n = 27). In all cases, age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI percentile were determined. B-mode US (two observers) and US attenuation imaging with attenuation coefficient acquisition (two independent sessions, two different observers) were performed in both groups. Steatosis was classified into four grades (0: absent, 1: mild, 2: moderate and 3: severe) using B-mode US. Attenuation coefficient acquisition was correlated with steatosis score according to Spearman's correlation. Attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements' interobserver agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). All attenuation coefficient acquisition measurements were satisfactory without technical failures. The median values for group 1 for the first session were 0.64 (0.57-0.69) dB/cm/MHz and 0.64 (0.60-0.70) dB/cm/MHz for the second session. The median values for group 2 for the first session were 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz and 0.54 (0.51-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for the second. The average attenuation coefficient acquisition was 0.65 (0.59-0.69) dB/cm/MHz for group 1 and 0.54 (0.52-0.56) dB/cm/MHz for group 2. There was excellent interobserver agreement at 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96). There was substantial agreement between both observers (κ = 0.77, with a P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between ultrasound attenuation imaging and B-mode scores for both observers (r = 0.87, P < 0.001 for observer 1; r = 0.86, P < 0.001 for observer 2). Attenuation coefficient acquisition median values were significantly different for each steatosis grade (P < 0.001). In the assessment of steatosis by B-mode US, the agreement between the two observers was moderate (κ = 0.49 and κ = 0.55, respectively, with a P < 0.001 in both cases). US attenuation imaging is a promising tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric steatosis, which provides a more repeatable form of classification, especially at low levels of steatosis detectable in B-mode US.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatic Steatosis in Children With Perinatal HIV on Early Antiretroviral Therapy Compared to HIV-Exposed Uninfected and HIV-Unexposed Children.

ObjectivesWe evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for hepatic steatosis in South African children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) who started treatment early and remain on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to HIV-uninfected children.DesignA cross-sectional study from April 2019 to October 2021. PHIV, HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed (HU) children were enrolled from an ongoing cohort study.MethodsAll children had transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Liver enzymes, lipogram, insulin and glucose were sent after an overnight fast. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified predictors of CAP. Hepatic steatosis was defined as CAP>248kPa.Results215 children (111 [52%] male; median age 14.1 years; IQR 12.7–14.9) participated in the study, 110 PHIV, 105 HIV-uninfected (36 HEU, 69 HU). PHIV initiated ART at a median age of 2.7 months (IQR 1.8–8.5). Hepatic steatosis prevalence was 9% in PHIV, 3% in HEU and 1% in HU children (p = 0.08). However, 8% of lean (body mass index z-score ≤ +1) PHIV had hepatic steatosis compared to zero lean HEU or HU children (p = 0.03). In multivariable linear regression analysis of all PHIV, body mass index (BMI) z-score was positively associated with CAP (p = 0.001) while CD4 count (p = 0.02) and duration of suppression of HIV viraemia (p = 0.009) were negatively associated with CAP, adjusting for age, sex and ethnicity.ConclusionsHepatic steatosis prevalence was higher in lean PHIV than lean HIV-uninfected South African children. Longer suppression of HIV viraemia and higher CD4 count were associated with lower CAP and might be protective factors for hepatic steatosis in PHIV children.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasound hepatorenal index for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in children.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in prevalence and is the most common cause of pediatric chronic liver disease. Objective US-based measures of hepatic steatosis are an unmet clinical need. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative measurement of liver echogenicity (hepatorenal index, or HRI) for hepatic steatosis in a pediatric cohort. We identified pediatric patients (≤18years old) who underwent both clinically indicated abdominal US and MRI with liver proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) within the 3-month period during the timeframe of July 2015-April 2020 (n=69). Using ImageJ, we drew small circular regions of interest (ROIs) and large freehand ROIs in the liver and right kidney on single longitudinal and transverse images to measure echogenicity (arbitrary units). We calculated four HRIs (liver-to-kidney ratio) as well as liver histogram features. Five pediatric radiologists independently reported the qualitative presence/absence of hepatic steatosis. We used Pearson correlation (r) to assess associations and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to evaluate diagnostic performance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to further assess relationships. Mean patient age was 11.6 (standard deviation [SD] 4.7, range 0.3-18) years; 27/69 (39.1%) were female. Mean PDFF was 12.5% (SD 13.1%, range 1-48%); 34/69 (49.3%) patients were classified as having hepatic steatosis by MRI (PDFF ≥6%). There were significant, positive correlations between all four US HRI methods and PDFF (r=0.51-0.61); longitudinal freehand ROIs exhibited the strongest correlation (r=0.61; P<0.0001). Longitudinal freehand ROI HRI had moderate diagnostic performance for the binary presence of steatosis (area under the curve [AUC]=0.80, P<0.0001), with an optimal cut-off value >1.75 (sensitivity=70.6%, specificity=77.1%). Radiologists' sensitivity for detecting hepatic steatosis ranged from 79.4% to 97.1%, and specificity ranged from 91.2% to 100%. Significant multivariable predictors of PDFF ≥6% included HRI (P=0.002; odds ratio [OR]=34.2), body mass index (BMI) percentile (P=0.005; OR=1.06), and liver gray-scale echogenicity standard deviation (P=0.02; OR=0.79) (receiver operating characteristic AUC = 0.92). Quantitative US HRI has moderate diagnostic performance for detecting liver fat in children and positively correlates with MRI PDFF. Incorporation of BMI-percentile and gray-scale echogenicity standard deviation improved diagnostic performance.

Controlled attenuation parameter in the diagnosis of different liver steatosis groups in children with obesity.

To investigate the utility of the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), as measured by a liver elastography technique, in predicting varying degrees of liver steatosis in children with obesity. Children with obesity attending the pediatric obesity clinic at the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University from July 2020 to May 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The 71 subjects were divided into four groups according to the degree of liver steatosis obtained by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). The gender, age, CAP, LSM, ALT, AST, BMI, uric acid, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, insulin, and blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the four groups were compared, and the differences were analysed. Clinical data with significant differences were included in the logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the CAP for the 71 subjects with different degrees of liver steatosis was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value. The 71 children were divided into groups according to the degree of hepatic steatosis obtained by MRI-PDFF, and the clinical data for each group were compared. It was found that there was statistical significance for CAP, ALT, and AST in cases of moderate and severe hepatic steatosis (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis was conducted between CAP, ALT, AST, and moderate to severe hepatic steatosis in children with obesity, and it was found that CAP was a factor related to moderate to severe hepatic steatosis in children with obesity. The ROC curve indicated that CAP has diagnostic value for NAFLD in children with obesity. There is diagnostic value in the use of CAP for hepatic steatosis in children with obesity, and there is greater diagnostic value in the use of CAP for children with moderate to severe hepatic steatosis.

Неалкогольна жирова хвороба печінки в дітей: сучасний погляд на можливості діагностики та лікування (I частина)

На цей час неалкогольна жирова хвороба печінки (НАЖХП) визнана провідною нозологічною формою в структурі хронічних дифузних захворювань печінки в дітей та підлітків у промислово розвинутих країнах світу. НАЖХП асоціюється з абдомінальним ожирінням, інсулінорезистентністю, порушенням толерантності до вуглеводів та дисліпідемією, тобто має тісний зв’язок з метаболічним синдромом та є його проявом. Дані досліджень свідчать, що НАЖХП пов’язана з підвищенням рівня загальної смертності та ймовірності формування серцево-судинних захворювань, що не залежить від наявності класичних факторів ризику розвитку атеросклерозу. Спостереження за перебігом захворювання протягом 20 років дозволило встановити скорочення терміну виживаності хворих на НАЖХП порівняно з очікуваним показником у загальній популяції, прогресування ступеня фіброзу у 80 % випадках спостережень, розвиток декомпенсованих форм цирозу печінки з потребою в трансплантації органа в 6 % хворих. Схильність до прогресування структурних змін печінки з розвитком термінальних стадій захворювання — цирозу й гепатоцелюлярної карциноми, висока ймовірність розвитку кардіоваскулярних ускладнень, можливість запобігання прогредієнтному перебігу за умов своєчасного терапевтичного втручання обумовлюють необхідність ранньої діагностики НАЖХП у дітей.Провідними конституціональними факторами ризику розвитку НАЖХП, які модифікуються, у дітей вважаються ожиріння та інсулінорезистентність.Механізм розвитку й прогресування НАЖХП є складним і багатофакторним процесом. У даний час існують дві провідні концепції, що пояснюють патогенез НАЖХП, — теорія двох ударів та теорія багатьох паралельних ударів.НАЖХП у дітей не має певних клінічних ознак і є випадковою знахідкою в асимптомних пацієнтів. Маніфестація захворювання найчастіше відбувається у віці понад 10 років. У клінічній картині НАЖХП у дітей превалюють неспецифічні симптоми: загальна слабкість, швидка втомлюваність, виснажливість.У клінічній практиці зазвичай першим кроком у діагностиці захворювання є виявлення підвищених рівнів печінкових трансаміназ та/або сонографічних ознак стеатозу при рутинному ультразвуковому дослідженні.Установлення діагнозу НАЖХП є можливим за відсутності ознак іншої природи ураження печінки, насамперед вірусного, аутоімунного й медикаментозно індукованого гепатиту.

Фактори ризику розвитку стеатозу печінки в дітей

Неалкогольна жирова хвороба печінки є найбільш частою причиною захворювань печінки в дітей у всьому світі. Мета: визначити фактори ризику стеатозу печінки в дітей. Методи дослідження. Під нашим спостереженням були 32 дитини з розладами шлунково-кишкового тракту. Визначення наявності й ступеня стеатозу печінки проводили з використанням апарата FibroScan® 502 touch із визначенням контрольованого параметра ультразвукового затухання (CAP). За показниками CAP діти були розподілені на 2 групи: 1-ша група (основна) — 13 дітей із стеатозом (40,6 %), 2-га група (контрольна) — 19 дітей без стеатозу (59,4 %). Для визначення факторів ризику ми проаналізували історію життя й захворювання, дані об’єктивного клінічного й лабораторного обстеження хворих. Результати. Аналіз вікового розподілу показав, що в основній групі переважають діти віком понад 10 років (відносний ризик (RR) 3,3; відношення шансів (OR) 4,0; р = 0,1). Ожиріння було виявлене у 12 (92,3 %) дітей у групі хворих із стеатозом і в 9 (47 %) дітей, які не мали стеатозу. Збільшення окружності талії понад 95-й перцентиль спостерігалося у 12 (92,3 %) дітей в основній групі і 8 (42,1 %) дітей контрольної групи (RR 7,2; OR 16,5; р &lt; 0,05). Було встановлено, що наявність пубертатного гіпоталамічного синдрому пов’язана з ризиком розвитку стеатозу печінки в дітей (RR 30,6; OR 4,8; р &lt; 0,05). Обговорення. Як провідний фактор ризику розвитку стеатозу печінки в дітей слід розглядати абдомінальний тип ожиріння в поєднанні із захворюваннями ендокринної системи, а саме гіпоталамічним синдромом.

Impedance-based measures of muscle mass can be used to predict severity of hepatic steatosis in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between measures of body composition based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and histologic severity of liver disease in a pediatric cohort with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of patients < 20 y old with histologically confirmed NAFLD followed in our Steatohepatitis Center from 2017 to 2019. Contemporaneous body-composition data were obtained using a multifrequency octopolar BIA device (InBody 370, InBody, Seoul, South Korea). BIA data collected were skeletal muscle mass, appendicular muscle mass, and percentage body fat. Skeletal and appendicular muscle mass were corrected for height (dividing by the square of height), generating their respective indices. Univariate linear and logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses, were used. ResultsOf the 79 children included (27% female, 73% male; 38% Hispanic; median age, 13 y; median body mass index Z-score, 2.43), the median NAFLD Activity Score was 4 (interquartile range, 3–5). In multivariable regression analyses, the skeletal muscle mass index was negatively associated with hepatic steatosis after controlling for confounders (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.93). Similarly, the appendicular muscle mass index was negatively associated with severity of hepatic steatosis severity (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.90). In contrast, percentage body fat was not associated with hepatic steatosis. NAFLD Activity Score, lobular inflammation, ballooning scores, and fibrosis stage were not associated with measures of body composition. ConclusionsThere is an inverse association between BIA-based measures of muscle mass and severity of hepatic steatosis in children with NAFLD. BIA data could further inform clinical decision making in this context.

Under-reporting of Hepatic Steatosis in Children: A Missed Opportunity for Early Detection

To determine the prevalence of underreporting of hepatic steatosis found incidentally on computed tomography (CT). Retrospective cross-sectional study including patients <18years of age who had undergone unenhanced abdominal CT for evaluation of nephrolithiasis. Hepatic and splenic attenuation were measured independently by 2 reviewers. Hepatic steatosis was defined using various previously established criteria (4 original criteria designed to detect moderate/severe steatosis and 3 secondary criteria designed to identify mild steatosis). Radiology reports and clinical notes were reviewed for documentation of steatosis. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels were collected. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between reviewers. A total of 584 patients were included. Agreement between reviewers' measurements for categorical classification of presence of steatosis was excellent (kappa statistic agreement >87%). The prevalence of hepatic steatosis ranged from 3% to 35%, depending on the criterion. Using absolute liver attenuation <48 Hounsfield units (most likely reflective of the truth, given alanine aminotransferase distribution and body mass index data), the prevalence was 7% (n=42). Steatosis was reported for only 12 of 42 (28%) of these patients and was documented in clinical notes in only 3 of those cases. Hepatic steatosis is underreported as an incidental finding of CT for nephrolithiasis. Given the prevalence and silent nature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a high level of suspicion is needed, so as not to miss the opportunity to identify steatosis in childhood.

The triglycerides and glucose index is strongly associated with hepatic steatosis in children with overweight or obesity.

Given the worldwide increase prevalence of overweight, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the objective of this study was to evaluate whether the triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index is associated with hepatic steatosis in children with overweight or obesity. Apparently healthy children aged 5‑17years were included and allocated into the groups with and without hepatic steatosis. The TyG index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)]/2. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed by ultrasonography. A total of 177 children, 66 (37.3%) girls and 111 (62.7%) boys, were included in the study. According to the hepatic ultrasonography, they were allocated into the groups with (n = 100) and without (n = 77) hepatic steatosis. The adjusted analysis by gender, body mass index, and waist circumference revealed that HDL-C (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.99), triglycerides (OR 1.005; 95% CI: 1.001-1.009), AST (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 1.008-1.07), ALT (OR 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and TyG index (OR 4.07; 95% CI: 1.26-13.15) remained associated with hepatic steatosis.Conclusion: Compared to other biochemical markers, the TyG index is highly associated with the presence of fatty liver in children with overweight and obesity. What is known: • The triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index is effective in predicting high risk for incident nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults. What is new: • Compared to other biochemical markers, the TyG index is highly associated with the presence of fatty liver in children with overweight or obesity. • The triglycerides and glucose index may be a useful tool to detect children at high risk of fatty liver.

Distinctive Features of Hepatic Steatosis in Children: Is It Primary or Secondary to Inborn Errors of Metabolism?

PurposeThe incidence of hepatic steatosis among children has been increasing; however, data distinguishing simple steatosis from a more complex disorder are lacking.MethodsThis study identified the etiologies resulting in hepatic steatosis through a retrospective review of pediatric liver biopsies performed in the last 10 years. A total of 158 patients with hepatic steatosis proven by histopathological evaluation were enrolled in the study, and baseline demographic features, anthropometric measurements, physical examination findings, laboratory data, ultrasonographic findings, and liver histopathologies were noted.ResultsThe two most common diagnoses were inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) (52.5%) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) (29.7%). The three most common diseases in the IEM group were glycogen storage disorders, Wilson's disease, and mitochondrial disease. The rates of consanguineous marriage (75.6%; odds ratio [OR], 26.040) and positive family history (26.5%; OR, 8.115) were significantly higher (p=0.002, p<0.001, respectively) in the IEM group than those in the NAFLD/NASH group. Younger age (p=0.001), normal anthropometric measurements (p=0.03), increased aspartate aminotransferase levels (p<0.001), triglyceride levels (p=0.001), and cholestatic biochemical parameters with disrupted liver function tests, as well as severe liver destruction of hepatic architecture, cholestasis, fibrosis, and nodule formation, were also common in the IEM group.ConclusionParents with consanguinity and positive family history, together with clinical and biochemical findings, may provide a high index of suspicion for IEM to distinguish primary steatosis from the consequence of a more complex disorder.

Dairy Fat Intake, Plasma Pentadecanoic Acid, and Plasma Iso-heptadecanoic Acid Are Inversely Associated With Liver Fat in Children.

We sought to evaluate the relevance of pediatric dairy fat recommendations for children at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by studying the association between dairy fat intake and the amount of liver fat. The effects of dairy fat may be mediated by odd chain fatty acids (OCFA), such as pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), and monomethyl branched chain fatty acids (BCFA), such as iso-heptadecanoic acid (iso-C17:0). Therefore, we also evaluated the association between plasma levels of OCFA and BCFA with the amount of liver fat. Observational, cross-sectional, community-based sample of 237 children ages 8 to 17. Dairy fat intake was assessed by 3 24-hour dietary recalls. Plasma fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Main outcome was hepatic steatosis measured by whole liver magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Median dairy fat intake was 10.6 grams/day (range 0.0--44.5 g/day). Median liver MRI-PDFF was 4.5% (range 0.9%-45.1%). Dairy fat intake was inversely correlated with liver MRI-PDFF (r = -0.162; P = .012). In multivariable log linear regression, plasma C15:0 and iso-C17:0 were inverse predictors of liver MRI-PDFF (B = -0.247, P = 0.048; and B = -0.234, P = 0.009). Dairy fat intake, plasma C15:0, and plasma iso-C17:0 were inversely correlated with hepatic steatosis in children. These hypothesis-generating findings should be tested through clinical trials to better inform dietary guidelines.

Accuracy of controlled attenuation parameter compared with ultrasound for detecting hepatic steatosis in children with severe obesity

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic accuracy of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) on FibroScan® in detecting and grading steatosis in a screening setting and perform a head-to-head comparison with conventional B-mode ultrasound.MethodsSixty children with severe obesity (median BMI z-score 3.37; median age 13.7 years) were evaluated. All underwent CAP and US using a standardized scoring system. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy proton density fat fraction (MRS-PDFF) was used as a reference standard.ResultsSteatosis was present in 36/60 (60%) children. The areas under the ROC (AUROC) of CAP for the detection of grade ≥ S1, ≥ S2, and ≥ S3 steatosis were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67–0.89), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.65–0.87), and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66–0.88), respectively. The AUROC of US for the detection of grade ≥ S1 steatosis was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.55–0.80) and not significantly different from that of CAP (p = 0.09). For detecting ≥ S1 steatosis, using the optimal cutoffs, CAP (277 dB/m) and US (US steatosis score ≥ 2) had a sensitivity of 75% and 61% and a specificity of 75% and 71%, respectively. When using echogenicity of liver parenchyma as only the scoring item, US had a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 46% to detect ≥ S1 steatosis. The difference in specificity of CAP and US when using only echogenicity of liver parenchyma of 29% was significant (p = 0.04).ConclusionThe overall performance of CAP is not significantly better than that of US in detecting steatosis in children with obesity, provided that the standardized scoring of US features is applied. When US is based on liver echogenicity only, CAP outperforms US in screening for any steatosis (≥ S1).Key Points• The areas under the ROC curves of CAP and ultrasound (US) for detecting grade ≥ S1 steatosis were 0.80 and 0.68, respectively, and were not significantly different (p = 0.09).• For detecting grade ≥ S1 steatosis in severely obese children, CAP had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 75% at its optimal cutoff value of 277 dB/m.• For detecting grade ≥ S1 steatosis in clinical practice, both CAP and US can be used, provided that the standardized scoring of US images is used.