Evaluation of Risk Factors assosiated with Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) increases in children in parallel with the increase in the prevalence of obesity. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and relationship with metabolic risk factors of FLD in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 280 obese children and adolescents were included in this study. The presence of fatty liver was investigated by ultrasonography (US). The anthropometric (body mass index (BMI) SDS, waist / hip circumference ratio), laboratory parameters (serum glucose, AST, ALT, lipid profile, HOMA-IR) were compared in the group with and without FLD. RESULTS: ALT levels were high in 49% of the cases. FLD was detected in 63.2% (n = 177). Age, BMI, SDS, waist / hip ratio, ALT, triglyceride, insulin, HOMA-IR values were found to be significantly higher in the FLD group compared to the non FLD group. There was a positive correlation between age, BMI SDS, waist / hip ratio, ALT, triglyceride and HOMA-IR levels and degree of hepatosteatosis. The cut-off value of ALT was 27.5 IU/L with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 92% for hepatosteatosis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fatty Liver Disease is an important cause of morbidity in children. The higher the degree of obesity and age, the higher the incidence of fatty liver disease. High BMI SDS, waist / hip ratio, ALT, triglyceride and HOMA-IR values are associated with FLD. It will be possible to reduce morbidity and mortality related to FLD by identifying and treating associated risk factors.

Keywords

• children
• obesity
• fatty liver