Predictors of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese and Overweight Egyptian Children
Author Information
Author(s): Hanaa M. El-Karaksy, Nehal M. El-Koofy, Ghada M. Anwar, Fatma M. El-Mougy, Ahmed El-Hennawy, Mona E. Fahmy
Primary Institution: Cairo University
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify clinical, sonographic, and biochemical predictors for NAFLD in obese children.
Conclusion
Dyslipidemia per se is a strong predictor of NAFLD among obese Egyptian children.
Supporting Evidence
- 16 patients (21%) had elevated ALT and 6 (7.9%) had elevated AST.
- Significant dyslipidemia was found in obese patients (P<0.01).
- Liver biopsy showed simple steatosis in eight cases (24.2%) and NASH in seven cases (21.2%).
- LDL-c was the only sensitive predictor for NAFLD in both uni- and multivariate analyses.
Takeaway
This study found that being overweight or obese can lead to liver problems in kids, and certain blood tests can help doctors figure out who is at risk.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study included 76 obese and overweight children who underwent anthropometric, biochemical, and sonographic assessments.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with known liver disorders and those on medications that could cause fatty liver.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 2-15 years, including both sexes, with 39 obese and 37 overweight participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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