Observation
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World J Hepatol. Jan 27, 2012; 4(1): 1-4
Published online Jan 27, 2012. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i1.1
Overview of screening methods for fatty liver disease in children
Caroline Anitha Devadason, Ann O Scheimann
Caroline Anitha Devadason, Ann O Scheimann, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
Author contributions: Devadason CA did research and wrote manuscript; Scheimann AO helped with manuscript development and writing/editing.
Correspondence to: Ann O Scheimann, MD, MBA, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States. ascheim1@jhmi.edu
Telephone: +1-410-9558769 Fax: +1-410-9551464
Received: August 22, 2011
Revised: December 21, 2011
Accepted: January 15, 2012
Published online: January 27, 2012
Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and obesity related comorbidities including diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been rising globally. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is emerging as a common liver disease among adults which can lead to the eventual development of complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With the rise of obesity in children, the development of detection methods for the presence of NAFLD is becoming imperative. Although the gold standard for diagnosis is liver biopsy, practical issues limit pediatric use and warrant development of noninvasive or minimally invasive screening tools for the detection and staging of NAFLD. A variety of diagnostic methods have been studied including use aminotransferases, imaging studies and serologic markers which have some population-based limitations. Additional factors such as gender and ethnicity may also play a role in the screening of NAFLD in pediatric population studies.

Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Children; Alanine aminotransferase; Ethnicity; Gender; Detection methods