Prevalence of fatty liver in overweight, obese and normal children

Abstract

Background and Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide and it is defined as a disorder of excess fat accumulation in the liver. This study was done to determine the prevalence of fatty liver among overweight, obese and normal children. Methods: This historical cohort study was conducted on 90 children ages 5 to 13 years old in Taleghani pediatric theching hospital in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2014. Subjects according to Body Mass Index (BMI) classified into obese (95%>BMI), over weight (85-95% BMI) and normal (5-85% BMI). Childern were matched for age and sex. Liver enzymes (ALT Alanine aminotransferase and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and lipid profile includingTriglyceride: TG (High Density Lipoprotein: HDL and (Low Density Lipoprotein: LDL were measured and fatty liver evaluated based on sonographic parameters by a radiologist who didnot know children's BMI. Results: The prevalence of fatty liver was 23.3% in obese children that was non- significantly higher than normal (16.7%) and over weight (16.7%) children. The prevalence of fatty liver was not significantly different between two sexes. AST was significantly higher in children with normal BMI in compared to obese and over weight children (P<0.05). The highest and lowest level of cholesterol was seen in obese and normal children (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of fatty liver non-significantly was higher in obese children in comparision with normal and over weight children.

Keywords

• Fatty liver
• BMI
• Liver enzymes
• Cholesterol
• Child