10-25-05

Fatty Liver Disease in Children

The prevalence of fatty liver disease in children is increasing proportionately with the increase of obesity, but the disease often goes undetected and untreated.

Fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease affecting Americans and its prevalence in children is increasing. Dr. Mark Fishbein, associate professor of pediatric gastroenterology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, estimates that about 30 percent of obese children have the condition. He explains the disease.

SOUND BITE: "The cause of fatty liver disease in children is probably related to a medic metabolic condition that is prevalent in obese individuals that’s called insulin resistance. And what that means is that fat that is normally contained in the periphery of the body in the fat cells and muscle is now being transferred into the liver . . ."

Dr. Fishbein says there are no recognizable symptoms. The disease is normally diagnosed by a physician after conducting a thorough examination, which detects a large liver. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis.

SOUND BITE: ". . . the only known treatment for the pediatric population is weight loss – controlled weight loss that should be recommended by the physician and his nutritionist. We’ve had few patients that have seen a regression of fatty liver with weight loss, but unfortunately, most weight management programs are not successful."

Dr. Fishbein advises parents to pay attention to a child's obesity problem and make sure they see a physician who conducts a thorough exam. Then help the child follow the recommended weight-loss plan.