Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in childhood

Abstract

There is ample evidence that insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and obesity are at the heart of the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The disease is now considered as the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome (MS). 64 children with NAFLD were assessed for metabolic syndrome stigma. An analysis was also made on the state of the problem according to the literature on the general links of the pathogenesis of these conditions, methods of diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD. All components of MS are observed with different frequencies in patients with NAFD. This disease, together with type 2 diabetes mellitus, becomes very common diseases in childhood. The incidence of NAFLD in children is constantly growing, it has begun to occur in infants, an outcome in cirrhosis of the liver is possible within childhood, although the prognosis for NAFLD remains definitely uncertain. Weight loss with a low glycemic index diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes are the mainstay of NAFLD treatment, but not yet very effective for various reasons. In these conditions, it is necessary to increase the role of primary prevention of MS and NAFLD.