Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk in children with obesity. (9th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koot, Bart G.P.; de Groot, Eric; van der Baan‐Slootweg, Olga H.; Bohte, Anneloes E.; Nederveen, Aart J.; Jansen, Peter L.M.; Stoker, Jaap; Benninga, Marc A.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 23:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1239
• Page End: 1243
• Publication Date: 2015-05-09
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.21076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="oby21076-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults. It has not been established whether NAFLD is related to early atherosclerotic changes in children.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21076-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In a cross‐sectional study, 78 non diabetic, non smoking children with severe obesity were evaluated for NAFLD. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to detect liver steatosis and serum ALT was used as a surrogate marker for steatohepatitis. Carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and arterial wall stiffness were measured using ultrasound.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21076-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Steatosis was present in 41 (53%) of subjects. Of these children, 26 out of 41 (63%) had elevated ALT levels. No differences in CIMT and arterial wall stiffness were observed between those without and with steatosis and those with steatosis plus elevated ALT levels [CIMT = 0.47 (±0.06), 0.48 (±0.06) and 0.48 (±0.07) mm, respectively; stiffness = 2.78 (±0.50), 3.00 (±0.81), and 2.90 (±0.78), respectively]. Steatosis and ALT were not correlated to CIMT (<italic>r</italic> = −0.02 and −0.14, respectively) or arterial wall stiffness (<italic>r</italic> = 0.13 and −0.11, respectively).</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21076-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>In this study, no relationship between NAFLD and early atherosclerotic changes in children was observed. An atherogenic effect of steatohepatitis (NASH) on pediatric age and long‐term atherogenic consequences of simple steatosis cannot be excluded based on this study.</p> </sec> </abstract>