What is Fatty Liver in Children?

Causes

Although the exact cause of fatty liver in children is still unknown, it is believed that the below factors can increase the risk of this liver disease —

• Obesity:

Being obese or overweight is one of the primary risk factors for fatty liver disease.

• Unhealthy diet:

Processed foods, food high in fat and calories, saturated fats, and sugary beverages increase the risk of obesity and fatty liver disease.

• Sedentary lifestyle:

Lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease in children. Exercising regularly helps in weight management and improves insulin sensitivity, thus minimising risk of the disease.

• Rapid weight loss:

This can lead to accumulation of fat in the liver.

• Insulin resistance:

When your child’s body becomes resistant or doesn’t respond to insulin, there’s a high risk of developing fatty liver. Insulin resistance leads to increased production of insulin by the pancreas, thereby leading to fat accumulation in the liver.

• Other medical conditions:

Medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis C, and obstructive sleep apnoea increase the risk of fatty liver in children.

• Heredity:

If siblings or parents suffer from fatty liver, there’s a likelihood of the baby getting it.

Symptoms

Fatty liver is considered a silent liver disease because many children may not show any symptoms at all. If they do show any signs, the symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, particularly near the liver

• Fatigue

• Feeling of weakness

• Poor appetite

• Weight loss

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) in rare cases

• Dark urine in severe cases

If your child has any symptoms, consult a doctor, as early diagnosis can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

Complications

Fatty liver in children can lead to several complications, if not managed at the right time. The complications can be liver-related or non-liver-related.

A) Liver-Related:

• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): This is a more severe form of fatty liver.

• Fibrosis: This is formation of scar tissue in the liver because of persistent inflammation.

• Cirrhosis: A case of advanced fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, a condition where severe scarring impairs liver function.

• Liver failure: Rare and in severe cases. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma: Although this is uncommon in children, a chronic liver disease increases the risk of cancer.

B) Non-Liver-Related Complications:

• Higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis.

• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Adolescent girls with NAFLD are at a higher risk of developing PCOS.

• There is higher chances of sleep apnea in obese children with NAFLD.

Management

Early diagnosis and certain lifestyle modifications are crucial in managing in NAFLD in children. This includes:

• Eating a well-balanced diet comprising vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Avoid processed foods, fried food, sugary beverages, and food high in sodium, calories, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats.

• Indulge in regular physical activity

• Control blood sugar level for children with diabetes

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Take measures to lower cholesterol levels

• Regular check-ups for monitoring your child’s health and track the progress of treatment plan

In some cases, medical or surgical interventions may be necessary to address complications.

Prevention

The best way to prevent this condition is lifestyle-based. Children who have a moderate body weight, get enough physical activity, and eat a nutritious diet have a lower risk of fatty liver disease.