In the United States and around the world, childhood obesity has become a major health problem. Along with the rise in obesity, is an increase in the co-morbidities of obesity, including fatty liver disease. It is a chronic liver disease characterized by abnormal lipid deposition in hepatocytes that occurs in the absence of excess alcohol intake. It comprises a spectrum of diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to steatosis in association with necro-inflammatory disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH). An estimated 30 million adults and 1.6 million children in the US have NAFLD and up to 30% are estimated to have NASH. NASH can be a more aggressive disease that leads to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in about 20% of cases. Only the rare case advances to cirrhosis in childhood because of its slow progression. However, NAFLD is rapidly increasing the need for liver transplant in young adults. Because of its high prevalence, it has become one of the most common reasons children are referred to pediatric hepatologists.

There is an alarming increase in fatty liver disease among adults and children who are obese and insulin-resistant. Plus, some adults may not live long enough to enjoy their well-earned retirements or grandchildren.

A simple blood test to determine if liver enzyme levels are elevated alerts pediatricians that the child needs to be evaluated for Fatty Liver Disease.

The only proven therapy for NAFLD in children is weight loss. A small but significant improvement in the BMI (body mass index) of a child can improve serum transaminases, and may also improve liver histology. Studies of adults who have undergone gastric bypass and lost large amounts of weight show that even the fibrosis of NASH can be reversible.

Promoting physical activity and healthy eating early in the lives of children may decrease the epidemic of obesity and with it NAFLD. Parents should be encouraged to incorporate healthy food choices and active play into the lifestyles of their entire families. We need a revolution, a delicious revolution, that will induce children - in a pleasurable way - to think critically about what they eat.

Conclusion
It is a common pediatric liver disease that will lead to increasing morbidity and mortality as the obesity epidemic continues. Every effort should be made to identify and diagnose children at risk. While lifestyle changes remain the most important treatment at this time, severely affected children are candidates for ongoing treatment studies.

Via : SpiritIndia.com