Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly become the most common cause of liver disease in children. This is partly because of the recent increase in childhood obesity.
NAFLD is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. If NAFLD isn’t treated, it can lead to a serious condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This can cause scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis and liver failure.
This might sound scary, but there is good news: Children can reverse NASH by eating healthier and exercising. Children’s Health℠ can help your child and family make lifestyle changes that start the path to recovery.
The treatment process starts with tests that look for liver disease. We use advanced imaging and (if needed) innovative biopsy techniques to diagnose NAFLD. Then we bring together gastrointestinal specialists, dietitians and a psychologist to help your child make lasting dietary and lifestyle changes.
Treatments and Services
A team approach to care
At Children’s Health, your child has a full team to support them. Your child’s providers work together to figure out what treatment is best for your child and their needs. They each can review your child’s test results, progress and visit notes so that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal. With one team in one location, we can offer convenient, comprehensive care.
Comprehensive weight loss support
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing your child can do to reverse this disease and improve their health. We offer multiple tools to help your child lose weight, including:
Family appointments with a registered dietitian to learn about nutrition
Counseling from a psychologist who specializes in weight loss
COACH Program for intensive weight loss support
Medicines that can help children achieve a healthy weight
Bariatric surgery options for teenagers
Your doctor can help you and your child decide which path to weight loss is best for them.
While fatty liver disease is dangerous over the long-term, it is a disease you can work to improve. The liver is an interesting organ and capable of regenerating and recovering – if healthy lifestyle changes are made.
Advanced diagnostic tools
To ensure your child gets the right treatment, we need to have the right diagnosis. That’s why we use the latest tools to learn about your child’s liver health. We offer diagnostic testing such as:
MRI elastography, a radiation-free, noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves and magnetic imaging to create a detailed map of your child’s liver
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsies that use no incisions and have a fast recovery time[AB1]
Transient Elastography (Fibroscan) that can provide a non-invasive assessment of the liver fibrosis during every clinic visit.
A team approach to care
At Children’s Health, your child has a full team to support them. Your child’s providers work together to figure out what treatment is best for your child and their needs. They each can review your child’s test results, progress and visit notes so that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goal. With one team in one location, we can offer convenient, comprehensive care.
Comprehensive weight loss support
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing your child can do to reverse this disease and improve their health. We offer multiple tools to help your child lose weight, including:
Family appointments with a registered dietitian to learn about nutrition
Counseling from a psychologist who specializes in weight loss
COACH Program for intensive weight loss support
Medicines that can help children achieve a healthy weight
Bariatric surgery options for teenagers
Your doctor can help you and your child decide which path to weight loss is best for them.
Advanced diagnostic tools
To ensure your child gets the right treatment, we need to have the right diagnosis. That’s why we use the latest tools to learn about your child’s liver health. We offer diagnostic testing such as:
MRI elastography, a radiation-free, noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves and magnetic imaging to create a detailed map of your child’s liver
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsies that use no incisions and have a fast recovery time[AB1]
Transient Elastography (Fibroscan) that can provide a non-invasive assessment of the liver fibrosis during every clinic visit.
Meet the Care Team
Amal Aqul, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Charina Ramirez, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, MDPediatric Hepatologist
Isabel Rojas Santamaria, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
Meghana Sathe, MDPediatric Gastroenterologist
