Hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis as complications of childhood obesity
Authors:
Eliška Hloušková; Jana Šťastná; Petr Jabandžiev
Authors‘ workplace:
Pediatrická klinika, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita a Fakultní nemocnice Brno
Published in:
Čes-slov Pediat 2026; 81 (Supplementum): 33-38.
Category:
doi:
https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2026/023
Overview
The most common gastrointestinal complication of childhood obesity is fatty liver, steatosis or steatohepatitis. Due to the rising prevalence of obesity, steatotic liver disease has become the most common liver disease of childhood. The etiology is complex and not always dependent on obesity of the patient. Consequently, the nomenclature has undergone changes in recent years. Instead of the former term Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is now recommended to use the term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) has been coined for inflammatory liver disease induced by metabolic dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on evidence of steatosis and increased liver tests. Histopathological examination of biopsy remains the most accurate method of assessing steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. The therapy for MASLD is lifestyle modification, physical activity, and weight optimization, in indicated cases in combination with anti-obesity drugs. The article summarizes current recommendations for the management of steatotic liver disease in children with obesity.
Keywords:
obesity – Steatosis – steatohepatitis – MASLD – MASH
Sources
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Labels
Neonatology Paediatrics General practitioner for children and adolescentsArticle was published in
Czech-Slovak Pediatrics
2026 Issue Supplementum
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