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Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis in Children

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Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation

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Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children, especially in Western countries, with a worldwide prevalence estimated between 3 and 12% in the general pediatric population, with peaks of 70% in obese children. NAFLD pathogenesis is not fully understood, but it is known that many risk factors, both environmental and genetic, contribute to the development and progression of liver injury, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The only treatment approved is weight loss through diet and physical activity, but it is very difficult to obtain an optimal compliance by children and their families. Some different pharmacological approaches, such as insulin sensitizers, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, have been studied, but the results are not univocal, and their applicability is actually limited in the pediatric population. Many other therapeutic strands are currently under investigation, especially in view of the new pathogenetic findings.

†Professor Valerio Nobili suddenly passed away on March 15, 2019, at the age of 52. The editor and the authors of this book wish to honor the memory of the pediatric hepatologist who brought to light the importance of hepatic steatosis in children’s liver disease, an inspired and passionate scientist, and a dear friend.

–Lorenzo D’Antiga

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Antonella Mosca, Silvio Veraldi, Andrea Dellostrologo, Mariateresa Sanseviero & Valerio Nobili

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Valerio Nobili

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  1. Antonella Mosca
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  2. Silvio Veraldi
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  3. Mariateresa Sanseviero
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  4. Valerio Nobili
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Correspondence to Antonella Mosca .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy

    Lorenzo D'Antiga

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Mosca, A., Veraldi, S., Dellostrologo, A., Sanseviero, M., Nobili, V. (2019). Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis in Children. In: D'Antiga, L. (eds) Pediatric Hepatology and Liver Transplantation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96400-3_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96400-3_17

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