Home⇛The PCMC Journal⇛vol. 14 no. 2 (2018)

Clinical Profile and Factors Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among Overweight and Obese Children: A Prospective Study

Sarabeth V De Castro | Adrienne Michelle B. Lu | Maria Estela R. Nolasco | Marilou G. Tan | Hazel V Arnaldo

Discipline: medicine by specialism

 

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: In the past decades, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased worldwide. Childhood obesity has been associated with wide range of serious health complications and increased risk of premature adult illnesses. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was of concern because of limited data among children. The study aims to determine the prevalence and demographic/clinical factors associated with NAFLD among overweight and obese children. METHODOLOGY: The study was a cross sectional study among overweight and obese participants aged 2-18 years old. A total of 96 subjects were included. Frequencies and percentages of clinical characteristics were determined. Chi-square, linear correlation and logistic regression analysis for different factors were performed. RESULTS: Among the 92 subjects, 26 (28%) were overweight while 66 (72%) were obese. The M:F ratio was 1.8:1 and majority belonged to 6-10 years old (44%). As to socioeconomic class, majority (59%) were from the low-income group. The overall prevalence of NAFLD among the overweight and obese subjects was 29.3%. None of the clinical factors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, BMI, waist circumference, actual caloric intake and dietary fat consumption) were significantly associated with NAFLD. Analysis of biochemical factors revealed that alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were found to be associated with NAFLD. Amongwhich AST and ALT were identified predictors of NAFLD. CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese children. Screening among the pediatric population may aid in early identification and prevent its progression. ALT, AST, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were independently related with NAFLD. AST and ALT were identified predictors of NAFLD.



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