'Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease' bij kinderen: een nieuwe complicatie van obesitas

- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a range of chronic liver diseases from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis with liver failure.

- In children, NAFLD is mainly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, the results of an unhealthy lifestyle.

- Insulin resistance and free fatty acids play a key role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

- NAFLD can therefore be seen as a metabolic complication of obesity.

- Since the prevalence of obesity in Dutch children is increasing, the prevalence of NAFLD in children is expected to increase as well.

- Prevention of obesity and identification of children with an increased risk of NAFLD are important steps in preventing irreversible liver damage.

- Lifestyle changes aimed at improving insulin sensitivity through healthy food and sufficient physical activity are essential in the treatment of NAFLD.

- Pharmacological treatment may have additional value.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2008;152:2443-7