Pediatric Hepatology
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children: an update
Donatella Comparcola 1, Antonella Mosca 1, Mariateresa Sanseviero 3, Maria Rita Sartorelli 1, Salvatore Iasevoli 4, Valerio Nobili 1, 2
Donatella Comparcola 1, Antonella Mosca 1, Mariateresa Sanseviero 3, Maria Rita Sartorelli 1, Salvatore Iasevoli 4, Valerio Nobili 1, 2 1U.O.C Epato-Gastro-Nutrizione, Ospedale Pediatrico “Bambino Gesù”, IRCCS, Roma 2 Dipartimento di Pediatria, La Sapienza Università di Roma 3 UO Pediatria Universitaria, Università “Magna Graecia” Catanzaro 4 Pediatra ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Napoli
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic hepatopathy in children. Many genetic and environmental risk factors affect the development of steatosis and progression to steatohepatitis. The gold standard for diagnosis is liver biopsy. The treatment to date is based on weight loss and regular physical activity but pharmacological therapy are under investigation. In this paper we overview the key points and news about diagnosis and treatment of pediatric NAFLD.