Early Indexes of Damage Progression in the Pediatric Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study

Background: Identification of factors influencing progression of Non-Alcoholic-Fatty-Liver disease (NAFLD) in children has an important clinical impact. This could allow clinicians to early identify a sub-group of children eligible for special monitoring programs, preventive therapeutic strategies and specific treatments. Methods: To achieve these objectives, 60 consecutive children with a histopathology diagnosis of NAFLD or NASH were enrolled into this study. Subjects were divided into two groups: nonNASH group (n=29) and NASH group [NAS score >/=5 (n=31)]. Main demographic, clinical and laboratory’s features were analysed. Results: Our data demonstrated that some patients ‘characteristics (ALT, ureic nitrogen/24h, BMI, Harrison Benedict kcal/day and VO2), independently on NAS score, were significantly associate with disease progression to fibrosis (p<0.05). The results showed that triglycerides represent an independent parameter of disease progression. Conclusions: In our study, we identified a predictive model for NAFLD disease progression, based on inexpensive and easily available variables, potentially useful in routine clinical practice in the pediatric population.