Abstract
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of pediatric chronic liver disease, which is strongly associated with obesity. Transient elastography, together with anthropometric values including waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) z-scores are a more precise diagnostic method of NAFLD than ultrasonography. Through transient elastography, we investigate the principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD. Methods: Healthy children between the ages of 6–18 years whose BMIs were ≥85% of normal were recruited as the overweight-and-obese group, and children whose BMIs ranged between 5%–85% were recruited as the control group. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was evaluated via transient elastography. BMI z-score and WHtR were measured. Results: A total of 107 (58 overweight-and-obese, 49 control) children were recruited. As evaluated by transient elastography, children in the overweight-and-obese group had significantly higher controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement values than the control group. To detect fatty liver, WHtR with a cut-off point of 0.481 and BMI z-score with cut-off point of 1.075 had the best sensitivity and specificity. To identify liver stiffness or inflammation, WHtR with cut-off point of 0.514 and BMI z-score with cut-off point of 1.62 had the best sensitivity and specificity. Controlled attenuation parameter demonstrated a fair correlation with WHtR and BMI z-scores, even in the normal range of these parameters. Conclusions: Transient elastography together with anthropometric measurements demonstrate that pediatric NAFLD may develop earlier than expected. We present principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 183-188 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Pediatrics International |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- body mass index
- elastography
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- obesity
- ultrasonography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health