Background and purpose: Hepatic steatosis is increasingly common in children and adolescents. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent serious long-term health complications. This study aimed to identify clinical indicators of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in children which has the potential to facilitate early detection of this disease.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed laboratory findings and factors influencing NAFLD in 66 patients diagnosed at Children’s medical center in Tehran, Iran between 2021 and 2022. Inclusion criteria included age ≤ 18 years and NAFLD diagnosis via ultrasound or liver biopsy. Demographic and laboratory data were collected through an electronic health record system, and lifestyle information was gathered using a standardized nutritional screening questionnaire. Statistical tests such as chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent sample T-test, and ANOVA were performed using SPSS software v27, with a significance level set at 0.05.
Results: This study analyzed laboratory findings and factors influencing NAFLD in 66 patients. The majority of participants were male (74.0%), with a mean age of 118.04 ± 42.01 months and a mean BMI of 26.37 (75.93% overweight). A significant proportion of participants had a positive family history of fatty liver disease (57.4%). Physical activity levels were low, with 50.0% of participants engaging in less than 420 minutes of physical activity per week. Dietary habits were also concerning, with 68.5% of participants consuming fast food and sweet snacks almost daily. Laboratory findings revealed elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), triglycerides, and total cholesterol (60.72 ± 59.06, 65.35 ± 142.54 mg/dl, 35.00 ± 166.71 mg/dl, respectively).
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering familial risk factors and metabolic markers in NAFLD diagnosis and management. Most of the patients with NAFLD were male, had a positive family history, and exhibited elevated liver enzymes and lipid levels.