PEDIATRIC NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE: TERMINOLOGICAL ISSUES AND OF DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased in recent decades reflecting the global obesity pandemic and is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents worldwide. “NAFLD” is a spectrum of diseases that can range from isolated macrovesicular hepatocellular steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without fibrosis, to cirrhosis of the liver. For the pediatric population, in particular, the “Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” or “Pediatric fatty liver disease” or “Pediatric NAFLD” terminology is acceptable, which reflects the genesis of the disease. The manifestation of the disease in childhood strongly indicates its unfavorable phenotype. The main effective therapeutic interventions for NAFLD are dietary and lifestyle changes, although long-term effectiveness is limited by poor compliance. Advances in the development and validation of non-invasive biomarkers and imaging techniques will facilitate the diagnosis of pediatric NAFLD and facilitate the development of effective therapies.