Published online Jul 27, 2021. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i7.790
Peer-review started: May 4, 2021
First decision: June 4, 2021
Revised: June 10, 2021
Accepted: July 9, 2021
Article in press: July 9, 2021
Published online: July 27, 2021
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents.
With the rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome among younger populations, NAFLD is a growing concern in adolescents.
The authors aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of steatosis and advanced fibrosis using transient elastography in the United States’ adolescent population.
The authors studied adolescent participants aged 13 to 17 years who underwent TE and controlled attenuation parameter using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018.
There is a high prevalence of steatosis (27.2%) in the United States’ adolescent population, with 2.84% having advanced fibrosis. Risk factors of steatosis grade included alanine aminotransferase, insulin resistance, waist-to-height ratio, and body mass index. Steatosis grade, non-Hispanic black race, smoking history, and systolic blood pressure were significant predictors of fibrosis.
Adolescents with steatosis or advanced fibrosis could progress to increased steatohepatitis and cirrhosis in young adults.
Environmental, dietary, and social history are important information to gather from adolescents as these factors can contribute to a risk of steatosis and fibrosis. Given the progressive nature of chronic liver disease, the evidence of steatosis or advanced fibrosis in younger age could lead to increased steatohepatitis and cirrhosis in young adults.