Allograft Fibrosis After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Evolution

Allograft fibrosis (AF) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) is frequent, but its dynamics are unclear. Our aim was to assess the evolution and risk factors of AF after pLT. A retrospective single-center analysis of pLT patients with a follow-up of ≥5 years who underwent protocol liver biopsies at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years was performed. Fibrosis was assessed using the METAVIR and Ishak systems and the liver allograft fibrosis score (LAFs). Of 219 pLTs performed from 2008 to 2018, 80 (36.5%) pLTs were included, and 320 biopsies were reviewed. At 6 months after pLT, fibrosis was found in 54 (67.5%) patients by the METAVIR/Ishak systems and in 59 (73.8%) by the LAFs (P = 0.65). By 5 years, AF was detected in 67 (83.8%), 69 (86.3%), and 72 (90%) specimens using the METAVIR, Ishak, and LAFs systems, respectively (P = 0.54); mild (METAVIR, 51 [63.8%]; Ishak, 60 [75%]; LAFs, 65 [81.2%]) and moderate (METAVIR, 16 [20%]; Ishak, 9 [11.9%]; LAFs, 7 [8.8%]) stages were detected, but severe fibrosis was not found (P = 0.09). In the LAFs, fibrosis involved the portal (85%), sinusoidal (15%), and centrolobular (12%) areas. Of 18 patients with 10-year protocol biopsies, AF was present in 16 (90%), including 1 (5.5%) with severe fibrosis. In all systems, 36.3% of patients showed fibrosis progression from 2 years to 5 years after LT, but they remained stable at the 10-year biopsies without clinical implications. In multivariate analysis, only donor age >40 years was a risk factor for moderate AF at 5 years after LT (odds ratio, 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-42.1, P = 0.01). Cold ischemia time (CIT) >8 hours was associated with portal (P < 0.001)/sinusoidal fibrosis (P = 0.04), donor age >40 years was associated with sinusoidal (P = 0.01)/centrilobular (P = 0.04) fibrosis, and low tacrolimus trough level within 1 year after LT was associated with centrilobular fibrosis (P = 0.02). AF has a high incidence after pLT, occurring early after transplantation. In most cases, AF is mild or moderate and remains stable in the long run without clinical implications. Donor selection, short CIT, and immunosuppression adherence are crucial to reducing the risk of advanced AF.

Sarcopenia in children with chronic liver disease: Prevalence and impact on liver transplant outcomes

Sarcopenia is a clinical condition characterized by a reduction in muscle mass, which typically affects adult patients; however, it has recently been recognized in pediatric literature. Few studies in children with chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing liver transplantation (LT) have investigated the role of sarcopenia, with controversial results. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia among children with CLD who are candidates for LT. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (Rome, Italy) from July 2016 to July 2021, evaluating all children (0-16 years old) with CLD listed for LT with an abdomen computed tomography imaging available before LT. The total psoas muscle surface area (t-PMSA) was defined as the sum of left and right psoas muscle surface area measured at L4-L5 on axial images. The t-PMSA z-score was calculated according to reference data, and sarcopenia was defined as a t-PMSA z-score of ≤-2 (1-16 years) or a psoas muscle index [PMI; PMI = t-PMSA/(100 × BSA)] of <50th percentile of the population examined (<1 year). Clinical, laboratory, and LT outcome data were collected from all the patients with CLD. 27 out 48 (56%) of the patients aged 1-16 years were sarcopenic. No differences were noted in anthropometrics, nutritional support, liver function tests, model for ESLD (MELD), or pediatric ESLD (PELD) scores between patients with and without sarcopenia. The former showed a higher prevalence of respiratory complications (66.7% vs. 42.1%) and need for inotropes (40.7% vs. 10.8%) after LT. Among patients aged 0-1 years (n: 36), those with reduced muscle mass (50%) had a longer hospitalization time (44 vs. 24 days) and higher incidences of multi-organ failure syndrome (38.9% vs. 0%) and intensive care unit-related infections (61.1% vs. 27.8%) compared to those with greater muscle mass. t-PMSA and PMI were statistically significant predictors of LT outcomes. Sarcopenia is a reliable index of frailty in children with CLD, as its presence is associated with the risk of a more challenging LT. Future studies will have to investigate the functional aspects of sarcopenia and conceive preventive measures of muscle wasting in CLD patients.

Diagnostic approach to neonatal and infantile cholestasis: A position paper by the SIGENP liver disease working group

Neonatal and infantile cholestasis (NIC) can represent the onset of a surgically correctable disease and of a genetic or metabolic disorder worthy of medical treatment. Timely recognition of NIC and identification of the underlying etiology are paramount to improve outcomes. Upon invitation by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), an expert working grouped was formed to formulate evidence-based positions on current knowledge about the diagnosis of NIC. A systematic literature search was conducted to collect evidence about epidemiology, etiology, clinical aspects and accuracy of available diagnostic tests in NIC. Evidence was scored using the GRADE system. All recommendations were approved by a panel of experts upon agreement of at least 75% of the members. The final document was approved by all the panel components. This position document summarizes the collected statements and defines the best-evidence diagnostic approach to cholestasis in the first year of life.

Fat soluble vitamins deficiency in pediatric chronic liver disease: The impact of liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Children affected with chronic liver disease are at risk for fat-soluble vitamins (FSV) deficiency, in this scenario the role of liver transplant has been only partially explored.

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FSV deficiency in a cohort of paediatric patients awaiting liver transplant, analyze relationships between plasma vitamin concentrations and risk of acute rejections and liver fibrosis and assess the impact of the transplant on vitamin status.

METHODS

166 children candidates for liver transplant were retrospectively evaluated. Vitamin concentrations were measured before and 12 months after transplantation.

RESULTS

Before transplant vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D deficiency was found in 66.6%, 40.6% and 36.3% of patients, respectively. 12 months after surgery, the prevalence of deficiency decreased to 29,5% and 2,6% for vitamin A and E while remained the same for vitamin D (36.3%). No association was found between vitamin status and the risk of acute rejections or the severity of liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Liver transplant was effective to improve vitamin A and E, but it did not affect vitamin D. A consensus is needed to define optimal nutritional management of these patients in order to prevent deficiencies.

WITHDRAWN: Fat soluble vitamins deficiency in pediatric chronic liver disease: The impact of liver transplantation

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2019.10.005. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.

Pancreatic disorders in children: New clues on the horizon

Pancreatic disorders in children represent a growing health problem in pediatric patients. In the past two decades, several advances have been made in the knowledge of pediatric pancreatic disorders, with better understanding of different etiologies and clinical manifestations of these disorders. Moreover, many efforts have been made in pancreatology, aiming to define guidelines in the management of pancreatitis in children, initially based on the available information in adults. A multidisciplinary and multicenter approach is necessary to better determine pancreatic disease pathways and treatment options in children.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Industrialized Countries in adults and children. It is estimated that NAFLD will become the main indication for liver transplantation in the next decade. NAFLD is also considered the hepatic feature of metabolic syndrome and therefore it is generally associated to the risk of developing some metabolic complications, with negative impact on patient's survival. Today, no pharmacological treatment has been identified for NAFLD, and behavioral approach, based on diet and regular physical exercise, represent the current recommended treatment, even if with disappointing results. For these reasons, several pharmacological trials have been conducted, in order to identify possible alternative therapy direct against pathogenetic targets of NAFLD. Several data have suggested the potential beneficial role of omega-3 fatty acids in NAFLD and its related metabolic disarray. In this chapter, we try to elucidate the molecular and clinical available evidence for the omega-3 supplementation in pediatric NAFLD patients.

Impact of Statin Therapy on Plasma Vitamin D Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

During recent years, treatment with statins has been suggested to induce several effect on bone status and vitamin D metabolism, interpreted as statins pleiotropic effects. Actually, the available data are not conclusive and the characteristics of this association remains unclear.

AIM

The purpose of this meta-analysis was therefore to investigate the possible effect of statins therapy on vitamin D serum levels based on the reported results from RCTs and observational studies.

METHODS

PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies evaluating the impact of statins on plasma vitamin D concentrations from inception to September 16, 2015. A systematic assessment of bias in the included randomized controlled trials was performed using the Cochrane criteria. A random-effects model (using DerSimonian-Laird method) and the generic inverse variance method were used for the heterogeneity of studies in terms of demographic characteristics of populations being studied and also differences in study design and type of statin being studied. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method.

RESULTS

Following a multiple database search, 1422 published studies were identified; among these, 7 studies were found to be eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis of data from seven studies (including 5 RCTs) did not indicate any significant effect of statins treatment on plasma vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSION

Further well-designed trials are necessary to confirm these results and to define better a possible relationship between statins and vitamin D levels.

Hepatic farnesoid X receptor protein level and circulating fibroblast growth factor 19 concentration in children with NAFLD

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Treatment with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid is ineffective in some patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) but the explanation is uncertain. We investigated hepatic FXR expression, and measurements of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and bile acids (BAs) in children with NAFLD to investigate relationships with NASH.

METHODS

33 children with NAFLD who underwent diagnostic liver biopsy were studied. Hepatic FXR protein levels and circulating FGF19 concentrations were compared with those analysed in five control subjects with proven normal liver histology. NASH was defined by the Paediatric NAFLD Histological Score (PNHS). Binary logistic regression with adjustment for covariates and potential confounders was undertaken to test factors independently associated with: a) NASH and b) hepatic FXR protein levels.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD age was 13.7 ± 1.9 years. Nineteen patients had NASH (PNHS ≥ 85) and 14 did not have NASH (PNHS < 85). Hepatic FXR level and plasma FGF19 concentration varied ~10-fold and 5-fold, respectively, between groups, and was highest in control subjects, intermediate in NAFLD without NASH, and lowest in NASH (between group differences P < .001 and P < .01 respectively). NASH was independently associated with both FXR protein levels (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.09, 0.38) and FGF19 concentration (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.20, 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

FXR protein levels vary markedly between normal liver, NAFLD without NASH, and NASH. Low levels of FXR are independently associated with NASH.

Efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid-choline-vitamin E in paediatric NASH: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is one of the most common hepatic diseases in children. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on children with biopsy-proven NASH based on a combinatorial nutritional approach compared with placebo. Participants were assigned to lifestyle modification plus placebo or lifestyle modification plus a mix containing docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and vitamin E (DHA-CHO-VE). Forty children and adolescents participated in the entire trial. The primary outcome was the improvement of liver hyperechogenicity. Secondary outcomes included alterations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and other metabolic parameters. Furthermore, changes of serum bile acids (BA) and plasma fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) levels were evaluated as inverse biomarkers of disease severity. At the end of the study, we observed a significant decrease in severe steatosis in the treatment group (50% to 5%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, although the anthropometric and biochemical measurements in the placebo and DHA-CHO-VE groups were comparable at baseline, at the end of the study ALT and fasting glucose levels improved only in the treatment group. Finally, we found that BA levels were not influenced whereas FGF19 levels were significantly increased by DHA-CHO-VE. The results suggest that a combination of DHA, VE, and CHO could improve steatosis and reduce ALT and glucose levels in children with NASH. However, further studies are needed to assess the impact of a DHA and VE combination on repair of liver damage in paediatric NASH.

Good adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk for NASH and diabetes in pediatric patients with obesity: The results of an Italian Study

OBJECTIVE

In the last decade, it was demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet (MD) represents an ideal diet for all age groups and has an important role in the prevention of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between adherence to the MD and NAFLD, with laboratory and histologic evaluation, in a group of children and adolescents with obesity.

METHODS

We enrolled 243 patients with obesity referred to our department from March 2014 to November 2015. In all patients, we performed abdominal ultrasound and laboratory assays. In selected cases (100 patients) liver biopsy was performed. Level of adherence to the MD was evaluated by a clinical questionnaire, the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED).

RESULTS

The prevalence of low KIDMED score was significantly higher in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis compared with other groups; poor adherence to the MD correlated with liver damage, the NAFLD activity score >5, and grade 2 fibrosis. Moreover, in patients with poor adherence to the MD, higher values of C-reactive protein, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and homeostatic model assessment of β cell function were observed.

CONCLUSION

The MD could be a safe and inexpensive therapeutic option for children with obesity and NAFLD.

The Obalon swallowable intragastric balloon in pediatric and adolescent morbid obesity

Background and study aims Incidence of morbid obesity has grown dramatically in the last half century and this phenomenon affects with particular severity the pediatric population. Dietary restrictions and careful programs to improve lifestyle are often ineffective to manage this particular group of patients, due to poor compliance typical of the adolescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intragastric balloon for treatment of morbidly obese children. Patients and methods A new swallowable intragastric balloon (Obalon) has been used for the first time in 17 obese children in order to assess its safety and effectiveness in terms of reduction in excess weight. In 9 of 17 children a second balloon was placed 30 to 40 days after the first insertion. All devices were endoscopically removed after a mean time of 18 weeks. Results In the group of 16 patients who completed the study (1 patient still under treatment) mean weight decreased from 95.8 ± 18.4 Kg to 83.6 ± 27.1 (P < 0.05). Mean body mass index (BMI) decreased from 35.27± 5.89 (range 30.4 - 48) to 32.25 ± 7.1 (range 23.5 - 45.7) (P > 0.05); mean excess weight, calculated according to Cole's curves for pediatric populations, decreased from 36.2 ± 15.9 to 29.4 ± 18.3 Kg (P = 0.14), with an %EWL of 20.1 ± 9.8 (range 2.3 - 35.1). Waist circumference decreased from 109 ± 12.3 cm to 99 ± 10.5 cm (P < 0.05). Conclusions Obalon can be administered easily without complications, inducing an appreciable weight loss with a statistically significant reduction in BMI and an improvement in associated comorbidities.

Docosahexanoic Acid Plus Vitamin D Treatment Improves Features of NAFLD in Children with Serum Vitamin D Deficiency: Results from a Single Centre Trial

BACKGROUND

There are no licensed treatments for non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults or children. In NAFLD, several studies have shown a benefit of omega-3 fatty acid treatment on lipid profile, insulin-sensitivity and hepatic steatosis and it has also been suggested that Vitamin D treatment has potential antifibrotic properties in liver disease.

TRIAL DESIGN

To date, however, there are no studies that have tested the combination of Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and vitamin D treatment which may benefit the whole spectrum of disease in NAFLD. Our aim therefore, was to test the effect of daily DHA (500 mg) plus vitamin D (800 IU) treatment, in obese children with biopsy-proven NAFLD and vitamin D deficiency, in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

The 41/43 patients completed the study (18-treatment, 23-placebo). At 12 months: i) the main outcome was liver histology improvement, defined by NAS; ii) the secondary outcome was amelioration of metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

DHA plus vitamin D treatment reduced the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS), in the treatment group (5.4 v1.92; p<0.001 for baseline versus end of study). There was no change in fibrosis score, but a reduction of the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and fibrillar collagen content was noted (3.51±1.66 v. 1.59±1.37; p = 0.003) in treatment group. Moreover, the triglycerides (174.5 vs. 102.15 mg/dl), ALT (40.25 vs. 24.5 UI/l) and HOMA-IR (4.59 vs. 3.42) were all decreased with treatment.

CONCLUSION

DHA plus vitamin D treatment improved insulin-resistance, lipid profile, ALT and NAS. There was also decreased HSC activation and collagen content with treatment.

Recent advances in understanding the role of adipocytokines during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis and their link with hepatokines

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Mechanisms leading to the development and progression of this disease are topics of great interest for researchers and clinicians. The current multi-hit hypothesis has thrown the crosstalk between liver and adipose tissue into sharp focus. It is well known that adipose tissue produces circulating factors, known as adipocytokines, which exert several effects on liver cells, promoting the onset of NAFLD and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese subjects. In a similar way, hepatocytes may also respond to obesogenic stimuli by producing and releasing hepatokines into the circulation. Here, the authors provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the role of the most relevant adipocytokines and hepatokines in NAFLD pathogenesis, highlighting their possible molecular and functional interactions.

Beverage consumption and paediatric NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, due to the increased worldwide incidence of obesity among children. It is now clear enough that of diet high in carbohydrates and simple sugars are associated with hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Several studies have shown that an increased consumption of simple sugars is also positively associated with overweight and obesity, and related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. It is difficult to define the role of the various components of soft drinks and energy drinks in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and its progression in NASH, but the major role is played by high calorie and high sugar consumption, mainly fructose. In addition, other components of these beverages (e.g. xanthine) seem to have an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, crucial pathways involved in NAFLD/NASH. The drastic reduction in the consumption of energy drinks and soft drinks is an appropriate intervention for the prevention of obesity and NAFLD in young people.

Pediatric liver diseases: current challenges and future perspectives

Chronic liver diseases in children represent a rising problem with significant effects on public health. In fact, several pediatric liver diseases are precursors of adult chronic hepatopathies, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of liver diseases in children is unknown. In the USA, every year, 15,000 children are hospitalized for liver diseases, but these disorders continue to be under-recognized or diagnosed late. The main reason is due to the frequent absence of symptoms in the vast majority of liver diseases, especially in the early stages. In the last few decades several advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of liver diseases, permitting the discovery of new therapeutic targets to treat liver diseases, thus improving the natural history of these disorders. In this article we discuss the most recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the most frequent pediatric liver diseases.

Fatty liver disease and obesity in youth

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this short review is to summarize recent developments in the understanding of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on novel findings in pathogenetic mechanisms and the therapeutic armamentarium.

RECENT FINDINGS

As a result of the increasing prevalence of pediatric obesity, NAFLD has rapidly become the most common cause of chronic hepatopathies in children. Lifestyle modification and diet remain the mainstay of treatment of pediatric obesity and NAFLD, but with disappointing results because of the difficulty in obtaining sustained long-term results. Considering the risk of progression of liver damage to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, in the last decades scientific research in this field has been directed to the identification of pathogenetic mechanisms and possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.

SUMMARY

We describe the therapeutic options for the management of pediatric NAFLD, focusing on emerging alternative strategies, including surgical approaches and new drugs directed against novel potential molecular targets.

Docosahexaenoic Acid and Its Role in G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 120 Activation in Children Affected by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease in children and adults. Recently, therapeutic supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed an anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effect in children with NAFLD. The anti-inflammatory effects of DHA depend on its ability to alter phospholipid composition of the cell membrane, to disrupt lipid rafts and to hamper the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-x03BA;B that controls the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. These effects of DHA are due to the interaction with the G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GRP120), a lipid-sensing receptor highly expressed in activated macrophages. In fact, DHA may activate GPR120 expression in macrophages causing anti-inflammatory effects, and insulin-sensitizing and antidiabetic effects in vivo. Recently, it has been shown that GPR120 is also expressed by the Kupffer cells of the liver. A diet low in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as the presence of genetic factors, may induce a reduction in the GRP120 signal and the activation of Kupffer cells and inflammation during NAFLD. Therefore, it is conceivable that DHA/GRP120 may play a key role in slowing the progression of liver damage in patients with NAFLD.

Juvenile hemochromatosis associated with heterozygosity for novel hemojuvelin mutations and with unknown cofactors

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Juvenile hemochromatosis (JH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe early-onset iron overload, caused by mutations in hemojuvelin (HJV), hepcidin (HAMP), or a combination of genes regulating iron metabolism. Here we describe two JH cases associated with simple heterozygosity for novel HJV mutations and unknown genetic factors. Case 1: A 12 year-old male from Central Italy with beta-thalassemia trait, increased aminotransferases, ferritin 9035 ng/ml and transferrin saturation 84%, massive hepatocellular siderosis and hepatic bridging fibrosis. Case 2: A 12 year-old female from Northern Italy with ferritin 467 ng/ml, transferrin saturation 87-95%, and moderate hepatic iron overload.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Direct sequencing of hemochromatosis genes (HFE-TfR2-HJV-HAMP-FPN-1) was performed in the children and siblings.

RESULTS

In case 1, we detected heterozygosity for a novel HJV mutation (g.3659_3660insG), which was inherited together with the beta thalassemia trait from the father, who (as well as the mother) had normal iron parameters. In case 2, we detected another novel HJV mutation (g.2297delC) in heterozygosity, which was inherited from the mother, affected by mild iron deficiency. The father had normal iron stores. Both mutations are frameshifts determining premature stop codons. No other disease causing variant was detected.

CONCLUSION

Although beta-thalassemia trait was a possible cofactor of iron overload in case 1, iron overload cannot be explained by simple heterozygosity for HJV mutations in both cases. Other genetic factors should be investigated, and further studies are needed to understand genotype-phenotype correlations in JH.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a challenge for pediatricians

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is considered the most common form of chronic liver disease in children. Several factors contribute to NAFLD development, including race/ethnicity, genetic factors, environmental exposures, and alterations in the gut microbiome. The histologic spectrum of NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis to the more aggressive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis can develop from NAFLD during childhood. Diagnosing advanced disease is challenging and may require a liver biopsy, highlighting the urgent need for reliable, noninvasive markers of disease severity. The mainstay of treatment for NAFLD remains lifestyle modifications and weight loss. Probiotics and ω-3 fatty acids may ameliorate disease progression. Recent data have suggested that vitamin E may be considered as a NASH-specific therapy in children, and there are several ongoing human studies evaluating different therapeutic targets for NAFLD. We provide an up-to-date review of the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment to manage this common disease in children.

Epidemiology and Natural History of NAFLD

Paralleling the growing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most frequent hepatopathy in adults and children. The true prevalence of pediatric NAFLD is still unknown, because of the heterogeneity of diagnostic methods used for diagnosis in the available studies and the different characteristics of the populations evaluated. Pediatric NAFLD is typically of primary origin and it is strongly associated with several features of the metabolic syndrome. Age, gender and race/ethnicity are significant determinants of risk, and sex hormones, insulin sensitivity and adipocytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of pediatric NAFLD. The natural history of NAFLD in children is still poorly understood, because of its complex nature and the scarcity of prospective studies, especially in pediatric populations. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to be implicated in the development and progression of the disease via multiple mechanisms that involve liver crosstalk with other organs and tissues, especially gut and adipose tissue. To evaluate and effectively treat pediatric NAFLD, the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease should be clarified and noninvasive methods for screening, diagnosis, and longitudinal assessment developed.

Association between nocturnal blood pressure dipping and insulin resistance in children affected by NAFLD

The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between insulin-glucose metabolism, nocturnal blood pressure dipping and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese adolescents without diabetes. One hundred one consecutive children, with biopsy-proven NAFLD, were included in this study. Blood samples were drawn for the analyses of liver function tests, insulin-glucose metabolism and lipid profile appraisal. An ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) was performed. Seventy-six children (75.3 %) were systolic nondippers, and 23 of them were diastolic nondippers (30.3 %). No differences were found in the anthropometric parameters between the two groups. When compared to the systolic dippers, the systolic nondippers had higher medians of mean nocturnal blood pressure, glucose at 0, 60 and 120 min in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), OGTT insulin at all time points and insulin-resistance values. No correlation of histopathological features with dipping/nondipping statuses was found.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between a nocturnal blood pressure fall and measures of insulin levels, independent of obesity, or daytime blood pressure levels, among the obese patients with NAFLD. Although no association between nondipping profiles and NAFLD was observed in our study, further studies with a longer term follow-up are needed, to better elucidate the complex link between these particular entities.

Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: recent advances

Central obesity represents the major factor responsible for NAFLD, but several immunological and endocrinological mechanisms are involved in fatty infiltration in the liver, inflammation and fibrosis. Gut microbiota and genetic factors were recently indicated as major players in liver injury. Loss of weight and physical activity represent till now the cornerstone of treatment, but they are very difficult to obtain and to maintain. Several pharamocotherapeutic approaches including insulin sensitizers, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E have been extensively studied in randomized trials, but final conclusions still could not be formulated. Therefore, new treatments based on pathogenetic mechanisms leading to NAFLD are under evaluation to establish the effective pharmacological therapy of this disorder.

Management of chronic hepatitis B in children: an unresolved issue

Although a rather benign course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during childhood has been described, 3-5% and 0.01-0.03% of chronic carriers develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma before adulthood. Considering the whole lifetime, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma rises to 9-24% and the incidence of cirrhosis to 2-3% per year. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge regarding the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children and to focus on critical aspects and unresolved questions in the management of childhood HBV infection. A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 1980 to February 2013. The search terms used included "Hepatitis B virus infection," "children," "HBV," "interferon," "lamivudine," "adefovir," "entecavir," and "tenofovir." Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in the articles retrieved were reviewed. The current goals of therapy are to suppress viral replication, reduce liver inflammation, and reverse liver fibrosis. Therapeutic options for children are currently limited, and the risk for viral resistance to current and future therapies is a particular concern. Based on the data available at this time, it is the consensus of the panel that it is not appropriate to treat children in the immune-tolerant phase or in the inactive carrier state. For children in the immune-active or reactivation phases, liver histology can help guide treatment decisions. Outside of clinical trials, interferon is the agent of choice in most cases; currently, available nucleoside analogs are secondary therapies.

Fatty liver and insulin resistance in children with hypobetalipoproteinemia: the importance of aetiology

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic steatosis is strongly associated with insulin resistance, but causative mechanisms that link these conditions are still largely unknown. Nowadays, it is difficult to establish whether fatty liver is the cause of insulin resistance or instead the complex metabolic derangements of insulin resistance determine hepatic steatosis and its progression to fibrosis. In patients with familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL), hepatic steatosis is because of the genetically determined defective form of apolipoprotein B, independently of metabolic derangements. Therefore patients with FHBL represent a good in vivo model to evaluate the relationships between fatty liver and insulin sensitivity.

METHODS

We evaluated insulin resistance through HOMA-IR in 60 children with echografic and histological features of steatosis; 30 of whom had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 30 had FHBL.

RESULTS

All patients had histological features of hepatic steatosis. Patients with FHBL were hypolipidemic, as expected. No significant differences between two groups were observed in liver function tests. IRI and HOMA-IR were statistically higher in NAFLD subjects compared to the FHBL group.

CONCLUSION

In our study, we demonstrated that in children with FHBL, hepatic steatosis is dissociated from insulin resistance. This finding suggests that fat accumulation per se may be not a sufficient causal factor leading to insulin resistance, and that other mediators may be involved in the development of alteration in glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome in patients with NAFLD.

Paediatric non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease: impact on patients and mothers' quality of life

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the causes of fatty liver in adults and is currently the primary form of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents. However, the psychological outcome (i.e. the behavioural problems that can in turn be related to psychiatric conditions, like anxiety and mood disorders, or lower quality of life) in children and adolescents suffering of NAFLD has not been extensively explored in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims at evaluating the emotional and behavioural profile in children suffering from NAFLD and the quality of life in their mothers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 57 children (18 females/39 males) with NAFLD were compared to 39 age-matched control children (25 females/14 males). All participants were submitted to the following psychological tools to assess behavior, mood, and anxiety: the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Moreover, the mothers of 40 NAFLD and 39 control children completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.

RESULTS

NAFLD children scored significantly higher as compared to control children in MASC (P = 0.001) and CDI total (P < 0.001) scales. The CBCL also revealed significantly higher scores for NAFLD children in total problems (P = 0.046), internalizing symptoms (P = 0.000) and somatic complaints (P < 0.001). The WHOQOL-BREF revealed significantly lower scores for the mothers of NAFLD children in the overall perception of the quality of life (P < 0.001), and in the "relationships" domain (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased emotional and behavioural problems were detected in children with NAFLD as compared to healthy control children, together with an overall decrease in their mothers' quality of life. These results support the idea that these patients may benefit from a psychological intervention, ideally involving both children and parents, whose quality of life is likely negatively affected by this disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver in children and adolescents: an overview

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is rapidly becoming one of the most common liver diseases in the pediatric population in industrialized countries because of the growing prevalence of obesity and overweight. For this reason, there is a keen and broad interest among researchers to identify new diagnostic noninvasive tools and novel treatment modalities for this condition. Unfortunately, to date, liver biopsy remains the imperfect gold standard for diagnosis. In addition, available noninvasive markers are not fully satisfactory for the diagnosis of fatty liver. Although in recent years many pharmacological agents, on the basis of pathogenetic mechanism of the disease, have been attempted, to date, the guidelines for the management of fatty liver are still lacking. Establishing effective therapeutic strategies to treat the disease represents the challenge for pediatric hepatologists in the near future. In this article, we briefly review the current knowledge and ideas concerning pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and discuss the new perspective therapies.

The use of ultrasound in clinical setting for children affected by NAFLD: is it safe and accurate?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become over the last decade the most common form of chronic liver disease in children and adults. Thus, establishing the diagnosis of NAFLD is of utmost importance and represents a major challenge as the disease is generally silent and the current gold standard for diagnosis is an invasive liver biopsy, a procedure that is not suitable for screening purposes. Many non-invasive diagnostic tools have been evaluated so far. Recently the utility of ultrasonography for non-invasive diagnosis and estimation of hepatic steatosis has been demonstrated in a large prospective pediatric study.

Expert opinion on current therapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming one of most common liver diseases in industrialized countries owing to the increasing prevalence of obesity and being overweight. Until now, loss of weight and physical activity have represented the cornerstone of treatment, but they are very difficult to achieve and to maintain. Therefore, new treatments based on pathogenetic mechanisms leading to NAFLD are under evaluation to establish an effective pharmacological therapy for this disorder.

AREAS COVERED

An overview of current therapeutic interventions to treat NAFLD is given. This review provides evidence of the efficacy of natural and pharmacological agents used so far in the treatment of both adult and pediatric NAFLD, on the basis of clinical trials published in the last 10 years.

EXPERT OPINION

In the last 10 years, many pharmacological agents on the basis of the pathogenetic mechanism of NAFLD have been attempted, but so far guidelines for the management of NAFLD are lacking. We believe that the advance in the understanding of pathogenesis and factors involved in the progression of the disease may disclose the way to defining new, solid, therapeutic strategies. A multidisciplinary approach considering the risk factors and comorbidities of fatty liver will represent in the future a successful therapeutic strategy for NAFLD.

Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 following anti-papillomavirus vaccination in a 11-year-old girl

In the last years numerous reports describing a possible association between administration of vaccines and development of autoimmune phenomena and overt autoimmune disease were published. Possible mechanisms of induction of autoimmune phenomena by vaccines and their excipients are probably similar to those implicated in induction by infectious agents. Here we report the case of an 11-year-old girl who developed autoimmune hepatitis type II after four weeks from vaccination against human papillomavirus. The possible relationships between the use of adjuvated vaccine against papillomavirus and autoimmune hepatitis are discussed. Although we do not provide evidence for a causal link, we suggest that the occurrence of the autoimmune hepatitis may be related to the stimulation of immune system by adjuvated-vaccine, that could have triggered the disease in a genetically predisposed individual. Therefore a monitoring of liver function test following administration of vaccine against papillomavirus may be useful in adolescent girl with signs of hepatopathy, as jaundice, dark urine or hepatomegaly, to early identify and to promptly treat autoimmune liver disorders.

Successful Use of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver

Objective:

To report, to our knowledge, the first case of a patient with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRHL) associated with portal hypertension in whom ursodeoxycholic acid (UOCA) therapy had a therapeutic effect on liver enzymes and was associated with nonprogression of portal hypertension.

Case Summary:

A symptom-free 13-year-old boy was hospitalized for splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia identified during a routine check-up. Infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic causes were ruled out. Two years later, laboratory findings revealed high levels of aminotransferases and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. Ultrasound scanning of the abdomen confirmed portal hypertension. Results of liver pathology studies showed diagnostic features of NRHL Given the biochemical evidence of cholestasis, UDCA was administered, with an initial dosage of 10 mg/kg/day that was progressively increased to 20 mg/kg/day (1800 mg/day). After 5 months of treatment, GGT and then aminotransferase levels normalized and remained within normal limits in the following months. With arbitrary withdrawal of UDCA after 30 months of therapy, a rapid increase in transaminase levels was observed. Prompt reinstitution of UOCA was followed by sustained normalization of liver enzymes. Laboratory and sonographic signs of portal hypertension remained stable and tended to improve during UDCA therapy, as demonstrated by regularization of the mean portal vein flow velocity, reduction of the congestion index, progressive increase of the platelet count, and improvement of the esophagogastroscopy pattern.

Discussion:

NRHL is a rare disease that is characterized by multiple regenerative nodules in the hepatic parenchyma that may lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension. No specific treatment is available, and management of patients with a primary form of NRHL consists mainly of treating the complications of portal hypertension. In our patient, UDCA therapy was followed by a prompt reduction and sustained normalization of liver enzyme levels and no progression of portal hypertension throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

Since in this patient with primary NRHL, ongoing UDCA administration resulted in improved biochemical and portal hypertension markers, this therapy can be considered in cases of NRHL associated with abnormalities of liver enzymes.

Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 arising in PFAPA syndrome: coincidences or possible correlations?

PFAPA syndrome is a chronic disease classified in the group of autoinflammatory syndromes characterized by periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis in young children. The etiology of this disorder is still unknown, but a primary dysfunction of the innate immune system seems to be involved. According to Marshall criteria, it is not possible to diagnose PFAPA in the presence of autoimmune diseases. We present here the case report of an 8-month girl with PFAPA who developed autoimmune hepatitis type 2 at the age of 18 months. We suppose that the dysregulation in innate immunity that is typical of patients with PFAPA could trigger autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune hepatitis in susceptible subjects. The possible relationships between immune-system dysfunction peculiar to this syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis are discussed.

Management of cholelithiasis in Italian children: A national multicenter study

AIM: To evaluate the management of Italian children with cholelithiasis observed at Pediatric and Surgical Departments linked to Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

METHODS: One-hundred-eighty children (90 males, median age at diagnosis 7.3 years; range, 0-18 years) with echographic evidence of cholelithiasis were enrolled in the study; the data were collected by an anonymous questionnaire sent to participating centers.

RESULTS: One hundred seventeen patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid; in 8 children dissolution of gallstones was observed, but the cholelithiasis recurred in 3 of them. Sixty-five percent of symptomatic children treated became asymptomatic. Sixty-four patients were treated with cholecystectomy and in only 2 cases a postoperative complication was reported. Thirty-four children received no treatment and were followed with clinical and echographic controls; in no case the development of complications was reported.

CONCLUSION: The therapeutic strategies were extremely heterogeneous. Ursodeoxycholic acid was ineffective in dissolution of gallstones but it had a positive effect on the symptoms. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was confirmed to be an efficacy and safe treatment for pediatric gallstones.