Fatty Liver disease in children and adolescents

Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in the liver. Although more common in adults, this condition also affects children and adolescents particularly those who are overweight. Fatty liver may
result in hardening of the liver.

The diagnosis is normally made from blood test, specialised scan of the liver and occasionally a liver biopsy. It is important that children or adolescents with fatty liver are followed up regularly by paediatric liver specialists to monitor the liver condition. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce the inflammation and damage caused by fat deposits in the liver.