Ultrasonographic Prevalence of Non–Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) in  Kashmir Valley School Children

Irshad; Showkat Ali Zargar; Bashir Ahmad Khan; Bilal Ahmad; Riayz-u-saif; Atif Kawoosa; Syed Mudasar; Mohd Ashraf Ganie

Volume : II, Issue : III, March - 2013

Ultrasonographic Prevalence of Non–Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Nafld) in Kashmir Valley School Children

Irshad, Showkat Ali Zargar, Bashir Ahmad Khan, Bilal Ahmad, Riayz U Saif, Atif Kawoosa, Syed Mudasar, Mohd Ashraf Ganie

Abstract :

Background: The problem of obesity in children has grown considerably in recent years globally as well as in India. This rise in obesity prevalence has resulted in marked increase in the magnitude of non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the pediatric age group. Therefore, NAFLD is currently the most common hepatic disorder in pediatric hepatology practice. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD in school children from Kashmir valley using transabdominal ultrasonography.Methods: In this cross–sectional study 1115 children in the age group of 4–18yrs from four different schools of the Kashmir Valley were examined. All subjects underwent detailed clinical evaluation including history, anthropometric assessment and blood pressure measurements. Fasting blood glucose, lipids and transabdominal ultrasonography was done in the fasting state. Results: Mean age of children was 13.4 � 3.8 years with range of 4–18 years. Out of 1115 children, 675 were girls and 440 boys. Overall ultrasound suggestion of NAFLD in children was 7.43% and among whom 82 (7.5%) were girls and 29(6.5%) were boys. On the basis of socioeconomic stratification 7.4% belonged to upper socio–economic status and 7.3% to lower socio–economic status. Prevalence of NAFLD in children with metabolic syndrome was 56% while as prevalence of NAFLD in obese children was 26%. Body mass index and waist circumference were significant predictors of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD.Conclusion: Our study shows body mass index and waist circumference measurements have significant impact on the prevalence of NAFLD in school children of Kashmir valley