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Lefter N, Abdulan IM, Maștaleru A, Leon MM, Rusu C. Demographic Profile and Clinical Characteristics of Adults with Down Syndrome in North-Eastern Romania. Clin Pract 2024; 14:1779-1789. [PMID: 39311292 PMCID: PMC11417845 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14050142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Down syndrome is characterized by physical abnormalities, intellectual disability (ID), and specific patterns of other health issues. Additionally, individuals with DS are known to experience premature aging and early onset of certain age-related medical conditions. These conditions are linked to higher incident disability and reduced survival rates compared to the general population. (2) Methods: Between July 2022 and February 2024, we conducted a prospective, observational study in the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic at Iasi Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital. The study included 28 patients diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a control group. Interdisciplinary interventions were tailored to address the needs of a complex patient, incorporating cardiological, endocrinological, genetical, biological and developmental support. Data on physical health, cognitive development, and psychosocial well-being were collected. (3) Results: Our DS group consisted of 11 (39%) females and 17 (61%) males. Their age ranged from 20 to 55 years with a mean of 28.07 ± 9.51. All patients were unmarried, living in urban areas, without a partner but with family support. In the study sample, 96.4% of participants had three or more comorbidities. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of multimorbidity, combined with little medication, contributes to a high level of clinical complexity, which appears to be similar to the one of the older non-trisomic population. As individuals with Down syndrome transition into adulthood, they may require a more comprehensive and holistic approach to their healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Lefter
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Irina Mihaela Abdulan
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (M.-M.L.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maștaleru
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (M.-M.L.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria-Magdalena Leon
- Department of Medical Specialties I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.M.); (M.-M.L.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Rusu
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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2
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Aitokari L, Lahti S, Kivelä L, Riekki H, Hiltunen P, Vuorela N, Viitasalo A, Soininen S, Huhtala H, Lakka T, Kurppa K. Alanine aminotransferase cutoffs for the pediatric fatty liver disease: Major impact of the reference population. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:488-496. [PMID: 38314943 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND STUDY The often-recommended alanine aminotransferase (ALT) cutoffs (girls 21 U/l, boys 25 U/l) are based on a NHANES cohort. A novel concept of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) emphasizes the role of ALT. We tested the prevalence of increased ALT and MASLD in children with overweight or obesity applying population-based and NHANES-based cut-offs. METHODS Six- to seventeen-year-old children underwent data collection in a prospective Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. ALT 95th percentiles were calculated from 1167 separate measurements considering various confounders. Test cohort comprised 1044 children with overweight/obesity. RESULTS ALT values increased at puberty onset (p = 0.031) and correlated negatively with age in girls (r = -0.222, p < 0.001). Particularly overall and central obesity increased ALT, whereas underweight or metabolic abnormalities had smaller effect. After applying the tested exclusions, the age-related ALT 95th percentiles were 24-29 U/l for girls and 29-32 U/l for boys. In 6-8-year-old children with overweight/obesity, the prevalence of increased ALT and MASLD were 21.6% and 2.4% with age-specific PANIC cutoffs. In older children, when NHANES-based cutoffs were used, there was a trend for higher prevalence of increased ALT and MASLD in all age groups for both sexes, reaching significance for increased ALT in 12-16-year-old boys (NHANES 63.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.4%-70.0% vs. PANIC 47.1%, 95% CI [40.1%-54.2%]) and 9-11-year-old girls (60.0% [49.4%-69.8%] vs. 31.8% [22.8%-42.3%]), respectively. Increased ALT/MASLD were more common in boys than in girls, and in boys these increased with age, whereas in girls these peaked at age 9-12 years. CONCLUSION A reference population impacts on the prevalence of increased ALT and MASLD. Considering this help optimizing screening while avoiding unnecessary investigations and surveillance. The prospective part of this study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov; identifier NCT01803776.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Aitokari
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Siiri Lahti
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Kivelä
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- Children's Hospital and Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Riekki
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pauliina Hiltunen
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nina Vuorela
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Viitasalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sonja Soininen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Physician and Nursing Services, Health and Social Services Centre, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, Varkaus, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Timo Lakka
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kalle Kurppa
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
- The University Consortium of Seinäjoki, Seinäjoki, Finland
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3
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Wang C, Pai AK, Putra J. Paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an approach to pathological evaluation. J Clin Pathol 2022; 75:443-451. [PMID: 35414523 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an increasingly important healthcare issue along with the rising rates of obesity worldwide. It is the most common chronic liver disease in the paediatric population and the fastest growing indication for liver transplant in young adults. The pathogenesis is complex with contributions from multiple factors and genetic predisposition. While non-invasive laboratory tests and imaging modalities are being increasingly used, the liver biopsy continues to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD. Histologically, the assessment of paediatric fatty liver disease requires special considerations with respect to a periportal predominant pattern seen in prepubertal patients, as well as a different set of disease processes in the differential diagnosis. In this review, we provide a summary of current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical course of paediatric NAFLD as well as the clinical guidelines on diagnosis and management. We discuss the indications and limitations of liver biopsy, histological patterns seen in paediatric NAFLD, other entities to be considered in the differential diagnosis, and conclude with appropriate triaging of liver biopsies and essential elements of pathology reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Anita K Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Juan Putra
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Karhan AN, Hizarcioglu-Gulsen H, Gumus E, Akçören Z, Demir H, Saltik-Temizel İN, Orhan D, Özen H. Distinctive Features of Hepatic Steatosis in Children: Is It Primary or Secondary to Inborn Errors of Metabolism? Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2021; 24:518-527. [PMID: 34796096 PMCID: PMC8593365 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2021.24.6.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of hepatic steatosis among children has been increasing; however, data distinguishing simple steatosis from a more complex disorder are lacking. METHODS This study identified the etiologies resulting in hepatic steatosis through a retrospective review of pediatric liver biopsies performed in the last 10 years. A total of 158 patients with hepatic steatosis proven by histopathological evaluation were enrolled in the study, and baseline demographic features, anthropometric measurements, physical examination findings, laboratory data, ultrasonographic findings, and liver histopathologies were noted. RESULTS The two most common diagnoses were inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) (52.5%) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) (29.7%). The three most common diseases in the IEM group were glycogen storage disorders, Wilson's disease, and mitochondrial disease. The rates of consanguineous marriage (75.6%; odds ratio [OR], 26.040) and positive family history (26.5%; OR, 8.115) were significantly higher (p=0.002, p<0.001, respectively) in the IEM group than those in the NAFLD/NASH group. Younger age (p=0.001), normal anthropometric measurements (p=0.03), increased aspartate aminotransferase levels (p<0.001), triglyceride levels (p=0.001), and cholestatic biochemical parameters with disrupted liver function tests, as well as severe liver destruction of hepatic architecture, cholestasis, fibrosis, and nodule formation, were also common in the IEM group. CONCLUSION Parents with consanguinity and positive family history, together with clinical and biochemical findings, may provide a high index of suspicion for IEM to distinguish primary steatosis from the consequence of a more complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuman Nur Karhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Hayriye Hizarcioglu-Gulsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ersin Gumus
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Akçören
- Department of Pediatric Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hülya Demir
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İnci Nur Saltik-Temizel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Diclehan Orhan
- Department of Pediatric Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Özen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Colucci A, Rocco MC, De Anseris AGE, Nazzaro L, Vajro P, Mandato C. Pediatric vs. adult NAFLD to MAFLD transition: a welcome but tangled path. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2021.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appears unfitting both in adults and in children. As obesity and metabolic syndrome play a relevant pathogenic role, an international group of adults’ liver disease experts has proposed to rename this condition metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While this new more appropriate and useful definition has mostly been met with good reactions in adults, it may present a tangled path in pediatrics. Here we further stress the recommendations of the North American and the European Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition that a hyperechogenic liver in a child affected by obesity or overweight with chronically elevated liver enzymes should not be assumed to have NAFLD only. Especially in those patients who are not in the classic age range or who have particularly severe laboratory anomalies, other genetic, metabolic (inborn errors of metabolism, IEM), endocrine, intestinal and hepatic pediatric-onset conditions, should in fact be excluded, particularly when response to a weight loss trial is not available. The term pediatric fatty liver disease (PeFLD) with three subtypes (1. contextual diagnosis of an IEM; 2. Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver; 3. unknown cause of fatty liver) has recently been proposed aiming to separate true MAFLD from IEM and/or the other above mentioned conditions, which may be rare when considered individually but represent a large group when considered collectively. Although the cost-effectiveness ratio of this attitude is still indeterminate, it is likely that the advantage of the early identification of a specifically treatable pediatric-onset liver disease associated to/mimicking MAFLD would be rewarding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Colucci
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (Salerno), Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Rocco
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (Salerno), Italy
| | | | - Lucia Nazzaro
- Pediatrics, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (Salerno), Italy
| | - Claudia Mandato
- Department of Pediatrics, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy
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6
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Siano MA, Mandato C, Nazzaro L, Iannicelli G, Ciccarelli GP, Barretta F, Mazzaccara C, Ruoppolo M, Frisso G, Baldi C, Tartaglione S, Di Salle F, Melis D, Vajro P. Hepatic Presentation of Late-Onset Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MADD): Case Report and Systematic Review. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:672004. [PMID: 34041209 PMCID: PMC8143529 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.672004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of pediatric steatohepatitis is a challenging issue due to a vast number of established and novel causes. Here, we report a child with Multiple Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MADD) presenting with an underrated muscle weakness, exercise intolerance and an atypically severe steatotic liver involvement. A systematic literature review of liver involvement in MADD was performed as well. Our patient is a 11-year-old otherwise healthy, non-obese, male child admitted for some weakness/asthenia, vomiting and recurrent severe hypertransaminasemia (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases up to ×20 times upper limit of normal). Hepatic ultrasound showed a bright liver. MRI detected mild lipid storage of thighs muscles. A liver biopsy showed a micro-macrovacuolar steatohepatitis with minimal fibrosis. Main causes of hypertransaminasemia were ruled out. Serum aminoacids (increased proline), acylcarnitines (increased C4-C18) and a large excretion of urinary glutaric acid, ethylmalonic, butyric, isobutyric, 2-methyl-butyric and isovaleric acids suggested a diagnosis of MADD. Serum acylcarnitines and urinary organic acids fluctuated overtime paralleling serum transaminases during periods of illness/catabolic stress, confirming their recurrent nature. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis [homozygous c.1658A > G (p.Tyr553Cys) in exon 12 of the ETFDH gene]. Lipid-restricted diet and riboflavin treatment rapidly ameliorated symptoms, hepatic ultrasonography/enzymes, and metabolic profiles. Literature review (37 retrieved eligible studies, 283 patients) showed that liver is an extramuscular organ rarely involved in late-onset MADD (70 patients), and that amongst 45 patients who had fatty liver only nine had severe presentation. Conclusion: MADD is a disorder with a clinically heterogeneous phenotype. Our study suggests that MADD warrants consideration in the work-up of obesity-unrelated severe steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Siano
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Claudia Mandato
- Unit of Pediatrics 1, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Nazzaro
- Pediatric Clinic, AOU "S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy
| | - Gennaro Iannicelli
- Pediatric Clinic, AOU "S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Ciccarelli
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Barretta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazzaccara
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Frisso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldi
- Pathology Unit, AOU "S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Di Salle
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Daniela Melis
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic, AOU "S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic, AOU "S. Giovanni di Dio and Ruggi d'Aragona", Salerno, Italy.,Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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7
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Trandafir LM, Frasinariu OE, Leon-Constantin MM, Chiriac Ş, Trandafirescu MF, Miron IC, Luca AC, Iordache AC, Cojocaru E. Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - a changing diagnostic paradigm. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2020; 61:1023-1031. [PMID: 34171051 PMCID: PMC8343491 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.4.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, but also as a real public health issue. Over the last decades, the increase in the rates of obesity and overweight in children has led to the increase in the worldwide prevalence of pediatric NAFLD. Detection of a hyperechoic appearance of the liver at ultrasounds or elevated levels of transaminases, identified during a routine control in children, suggests NAFLD. The disorder can be diagnosed with either non-invasive strategies or through liver biopsy, which further allows the identification of specific histological aspects, distinct from those found in adults. Since NAFLD is a clinically heterogeneous disease, there is an imperative need to identify noninvasive biomarkers and screening techniques for early diagnosis in children, in order to prevent metabolic and cardiovascular complications later in adulthood. This review emphasizes the main diagnosis tools in pediatric NAFLD, a systemic disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis and varying clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mihaela Trandafir
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine – Pediatrics, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Otilia Elena Frasinariu
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine – Pediatrics, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | | | - Ştefan Chiriac
- First Medical Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | | | - Ingrith Crenguţa Miron
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine – Pediatrics, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Alina Costina Luca
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine – Pediatrics, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Alin Constantin Iordache
- Second Surgery Department – Neurosurgery, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Elena Cojocaru
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences I – Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
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Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of disease that can range from isolated macrovesicular hepatocellular steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without fibrosis to cirrhosis. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased over several decades, mirroring the global obesity pandemic. NAFLD currently represents the most common etiology of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents worldwide. Disease presentation in childhood strongly suggests that these children may have unique susceptibilities and more severe long-term consequences. Emerging data demonstrate that the pathogenesis of early-onset NAFLD is secondary to a complex interplay involving genetic, metabolic, environmental, and microbiological factors. Such influences may begin
in utero. Dietary and lifestyle modifications remain the primary effective therapeutic interventions, although long-term efficacy is limited by poor adoption or adherence. Advances in the development and validation of non-invasive biomarkers and imaging modalities will facilitate diagnosis for affected children and adolescents and facilitate long-term natural history studies and the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vittorio
- 1. Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
| | - Joel E Lavine
- 1. Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA
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9
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Di Sessa A, Cirillo G, Guarino S, Marzuillo P, Miraglia Del Giudice E. Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: current perspectives on diagnosis and management. PEDIATRIC HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2019; 10:89-97. [PMID: 31692530 PMCID: PMC6711552 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s188989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in childhood. To date, the “multiple-hit” hypothesis is largely recognized as an explanation of NAFLD pathogenesis and progression. Obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome have been closely linked to NAFLD development. Due to the increased prevalence of obesity worldwide, NAFLD has reached epidemic proportions over time. Given its unfavorable cardiometabolic burden (such as cardiovascular and metabolic consequences), it represents a worrying phenomenon needing a more comprehensive and successful management. Laboratory tests and classical imaging techniques play a pivotal role in NAFLD diagnosis, but novel noninvasive alternative methods to diagnose and monitor NAFLD have been investigated. Currently, lifestyle modifications remain the mainstay treatment, although its efficacy is poor because of the lack of compliance. Pediatric research is focusing on multiple alternative treatments targeting the main pathogenic factors such as insulin-resistance, dyslipidemia, gut-liver axis and microbiota, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory pathways. Results from these studies are promising but larger validation is needed. Innovative therapeutic approaches might add an important piece in the complex knowledge of pediatric NAFLD. We aimed to summarize recent insights into NAFLD diagnosis and treatment in children, with a focus on possible future perspectives in pediatric research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Sessa
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Studies of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli 80138, Italy
| | - Grazia Cirillo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Studies of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli 80138, Italy
| | - Stefano Guarino
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Studies of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli 80138, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Marzuillo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Studies of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli 80138, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Studies of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli 80138, Italy
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