Review
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World J Hepatol. Jan 27, 2014; 6(1): 33-40
Published online Jan 27, 2014. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i1.33
Fatty liver in childhood
Yesim Ozturk, Ozlem Bekem Soylu
Yesim Ozturk, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Inciralti, 35340 İzmir, Turkey
Ozlem Bekem Soylu, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Behcet Uz Children’s Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Alsancak, 35340 İzmir, Turkey
Author contributions: Ozturk Y collected data and wrote the manuscript; Ozturk Y and Soylu OB were also involved in writing and editing the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Yesim Ozturk, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Inciralti, Cumhuriyet Blv No.144, 35340 İzmir, Turkey. yesimzaferozturk@gmail.com
Telephone: +90-232-4126106   Fax: +90-232-4126106
Received: September 30, 2013
Revised: November 26, 2013
Accepted: December 9, 2013
Published online: January 27, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) consists of steatosis in liver, steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Histological type 2 pattern (macrovesicular steatosis with portal inflammation and/or fibrosis, generally without evidence of cellular injury or lobular inflammation) is seen differently in children than in adults. The most important risk factors are obesity and insulin resistance, as well as gender, ethnicity, genetic predisposition and some medical problems. Progression to cirrhosis in children is rare but possible. NAFLD does not have a proven treatment. Losing weight and increasing physical activity provide improvement in histological and biochemical findings in fatty liver. Drugs are used in specific situations. More research is needed for drug therapy.