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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a comorbidity of childhood obesity

    Nicole J Barshop

    Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, CA 92103, USA.

    ,
    Cameron S Francis

    Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, CA 92103, USA.

    ,
    Jeffrey B Schwimmer

    Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, CA 92103, USA.

    &
    Joel E Lavine

    † Author for correspondence

    Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD Medical Center, 200 W Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92103-98450, USA.

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/phe.09.21

    Childhood obesity is a worldwide health problem associated with an increase in the prevalence and severity of comorbid conditions including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The increasing number of children with NAFLD presents a major public health concern. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, histology, pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric NAFLD and highlights ongoing challenges and unmet needs in the area.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest •• of considerable interest

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