Examining the Frequency of Insulin Resistance in Children with Chronic Hepatic Disease

Abstract

Background: Liver is one of the most important insulin target organs and insulin resistance (IR) accompanies chronic hepatic disease. IR is one of the main pathophysiological features characteristic of chronic hepatic diseases. As a result, early diagnosis of IR is very important in patients with chronic hepatic disease. Methods: After recording demographic properties of the patients and calculating the rate of IR (HOMA-IR) and severity of hepatic disease (PELD/MELD Scores), statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed to compute the frequency and relationship of IR based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), the type of background disease, and severity of hepatic disease. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Software. Results: The results obtained showed that the frequency of males, under 12 years old, with BMI values under 18.5 kg/m2were higher. However, IR rate was higher in female gender, age group of above 12 years old, and normal BMI. The effect of age and BMI parameters on IR was also statistically significant (p<0.001), while sex and disease severity had no significant effect on IR. Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of the affected children at lower ages and administration of proper dietary regimens could assist in preventing disease progression and also in more effective treatment.