Childhood Obesity最新文献

{"title":"Relationships Between Gonadotropins, Sex Hormones, and Vascular Health in Adolescents with Normal Weight or Obesity.","authors":"William T Juckett, Nicholas G Evanoff, Aaron S Kelly, Eric M Bomberg, Donald R Dengel","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0325","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Relationships between gonadotropins, sex hormones, and vascular structure and function in adolescents of varying weight statuses have not been fully investigated. In the present study, we examined associations among these in female and male adolescents with normal weight or obesity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a cross-sectional analysis of adolescents (<i>n</i> = 58; 12-<18 years) grouped according to BMI percentile (BMI%) into normal weight (5th-<85th BMI%; <i>n</i> = 25) and obesity (≥95th BMI%; <i>n</i> = 33) categories. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol. Vascular function was measured via ultrasonography for measures of carotid artery diameter compliance (cDC), incremental elastic modulus (cIEM), and brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Females with obesity had a significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.009) greater mean FMD compared with those with normal weight. FSH, LH, testosterone, and estradiol did not differ between normal weight and obesity groups in either sex. After adjusting for age and multiple comparisons, higher testosterone was associated with decreased cDC (<i>R</i>² = 0.189; <i>p</i> = 0.018) and increased cIEM (<i>R</i>² = 0.346; <i>p</i> = 0.002) across all females. In all males, higher estradiol was associated with decreased cDC (<i>R</i>² = 0.404; <i>p</i> = 0.006) and increased cIEM (<i>R</i>² = 0.411; <i>p</i> = 0.003). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We found that testosterone and estradiol were associated with vascular measures in female and male adolescents, respectively. Future studies are needed to confirm these relationships in larger cohorts and among those with BMIs in the overweight (85th-<95th BMI%) and severe obesity (BMI ≥120% of the 95th percentile and/or ≥35 kg/m²) categories.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"402-410"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142957249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nonpharmacological Childhood Obesity Management in Denmark Reduces Steatotic Liver Disease and Obesity.","authors":"Rebecca Berg Pedersen, Maria Martens Fraulund, Elizaveta Chabanova, Louise Aas Holm, Torben Hansen, Henrik S Thomsen, Jens-Christian Holm, Cilius Esmann Fonvig","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0287","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Steatotic liver disease (SLD) represents a multisystem disease and is a common complication of childhood obesity. We studied fat content at the abdominal level (liver, subcutaneous, and visceral) and the response to childhood obesity management. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this retrospective longitudinal study, 8-18-year-olds with a body mass index (BMI) z-score above 1.28 (corresponding to a BMI above the 90th percentile), as a proxy for obesity, were offered person-centered, family-oriented obesity management in a hospital setting and in a magnetic resonance (MR) scan. Liver fat content (LFC) was assessed by MR spectroscopy, whereas subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed by MR imaging. We conducted nonparametric tests to evaluate baseline-to-follow-up changes and comparisons between participants with and without an MR assessment. Additionally, a logistic regression model examined the association between changes in LFC and BMI z-score. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study group comprised 1002 children and adolescents (52% females) with an MR assessment at baseline. The median age was 13.0 years, the median BMI was 28.4, and the BMI z-score was 2.90. At baseline, 378 (38%) exhibited SLD defined by an LFC above 1.5%. Among the 322 with a follow-up MR scan, 76% of the patients with SLD reduced their LFC. BMI z-score and VAT (both <i>p</i> < 0.001) were reduced during intervention. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> SLD is highly prevalent (38%) in children and adolescents with obesity. A chronic care obesity management model reduced the fat content in the liver, the visceral fat, and the degree of obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"392-401"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143014565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Household Income Moderates Longitudinal Relations Between Neighborhood Child Opportunity Index and BMI Growth.","authors":"Alexandra Ursache, Brandi Y Rollins","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0322","DOIUrl":"10.1089/chi.2024.0322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> To examine longitudinal associations of early neighborhood Child Opportunity Index 2.0 (COI) with children's BMI trajectories and identify whether household economic resources moderate relations of COI in infancy/toddlerhood and the preschool years to longitudinal BMI growth between 2 and 12 years. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Family data (<i>n</i> = 1091) were drawn from the Family Life Project, a longitudinal study of families residing in rural high-poverty areas. Neighborhood COI was obtained for each developmental period: infancy/toddlerhood (2-15 months) and the preschool years (2-5 years). BMIs were created from anthropometrics collected at six time points. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Higher neighborhood COIs during the infancy/toddlerhood (<i>β</i> = -0.0130, <i>p</i> < 0.01) and preschool years (<i>β</i> = -0.0093, <i>p</i> < 0.05) were associated with lower BMI at 5 years of age; although the latter became nonsignificant after adjusting for infancy/toddlerhood COI. Both household income and time spent in poverty moderated associations of infancy/toddlerhood exposure to neighborhood COI with BMI change. Among children residing in not poor households, higher neighborhood level child opportunity was associated with a slower increase in BMI from 2 to 12 years (<i>β</i> = -0.0369, <i>p</i> < 0.05), and a lower BMI at 12 years (<i>β</i> = -0.0395, <i>p</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Neighborhood COI during the infant and toddler years is longitudinally associated with child growth, and long-term associations are evident among children residing in not poor households. Future work is needed to better understand how family and neighborhood-level resources interact to influence obesity risk, particularly for those at high risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":"372-379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142873230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Parental Perception and Confidence Managing Obesity-Related Behaviors Among Children with Severe Early-Onset Obesity in a Tertiary Care Clinic.","authors":"Julia M Morales, Mayver Gonzalez, Citrine Elatrash, Daphne Medina, Farah Ladha, Claudia Soler Alfonso, Stephanie Sisley","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2025.0016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Children with severe early-onset obesity (defined as a body mass index >120% of the 95th percentile before age 5) are a high-risk population often displaying disruptive food-related behaviors. This study assessed: (i) caregivers' confidence addressing obesity-related behaviors in children with severe early-onset obesity and (ii) differences in behavior perceptions between children with and without impaired satiety. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Caregivers from a specialized pediatric obesity clinic completed the Lifestyle Behavior Checklist (LBC), a 25-question tool, evaluating their perceptions and confidence managing obesity-related behaviors. Impaired satiety diagnoses were based on clinical ascertainment of at least three abnormal eating behaviors across multiple settings. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 89 caregivers completed the LBC. Parents felt least confident managing four of the top five perceived most problematic behaviors: excessive eating, requesting extra portions, unhealthy snacking, and eating too quickly. Parents of children with impaired satiety rated 16 behaviors as significantly more problematic (<i>Q</i>-value <0.05) and reported lower overall confidence in managing these behaviors compared with parents of children without impaired satiety (<i>Q</i>-value = 0.04). Despite these differences, both groups identified excessive eating as the most problematic behavior and the one they were least confident in managing. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Parents of children with severe, early-onset obesity, reported difficulty managing food-related behaviors. Children with severe, early-onset obesity and impaired satiety displayed similar, but more pronounced, problematic lifestyle-related behaviors compared with those without satiety impairments. Future research should determine if behavior-specific counseling would be helpful to parents of children with severe, early-onset obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resting Energy Expenditure Profiles in Pediatric Patients with Obesity Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy.","authors":"Linda Koh, Patil Kavarian, Yann Le Guen, Matias Bruzoni, Janey S A Pratt, Marwa Abu El Haija","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Obesity is a prevalent medical condition among the pediatric population. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is recommended to treat severe obesity. Resting energy expenditure (REE) plays a vital role in weight homeostasis. This study aims to assess the impact of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on REE in pediatric patients with severe obesity while comparing REE values with body composition. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Participants were recruited from the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic and Bariatric Surgery Clinic at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed using a generalized linear model and correlation analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-six participants with severe obesity were included. Correlation analyses showed significant differences in baseline REE/kg between age groups, with higher REE/kg in participants <16 years. No significant correlations were observed between pre-SG REE/kg and degree of weight loss post-SG. Pre-SG %lean body mass positively correlated with REE/kg. There was no significant change in REE/kg following SG with weight loss. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> SG remains an effective intervention for managing severe obesity. This study found no significant changes in REE after SG. Future research should focus on larger longitudinal studies to enhance understanding of the metabolic effects of SG in pediatric patients while optimizing strategies for improved health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Treatment of Pediatric Obesity: Behavioral Health Considerations.","authors":"Grace B Jhe, Amy Egbert, Carolyn E Ievers-Landis, Eileen Chaves, Kimberly Genuario, Melissa Santos, E Thomaseo Burton","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Despite the rapid increase in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) use for management of weight among adolescents (ages 12-18 years), there is limited guidance on associated behavioral health considerations. Adolescents on GLP-1 therapy represent a potentially vulnerable population at risk of experiencing medical and psychosocial effects of obesity and comorbidities, as well as side effects and behavioral implications of the medications. <b><i>Method:</i></b> This perspective discusses behavioral and psychosocial considerations for adolescents seeking GLP-1s. The limited and developing literature on the use of GLP-1s for pediatric obesity treatment was reviewed to evaluate key aspects of psychosocial functioning and health behavior engagement and to stimulate discussion, research, clinical innovation, and advocacy to support best practices for youth seeking GLP-1s to address weight concerns. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There is currently sparse research on the effects of GLP-1s on adolescents' psychosocial functioning. In the context of clinical practice, it may be important to assess for symptoms of eating disorders/disordered eating behaviors, mood instability, and general psychosocial functioning as well as quality of life, social support, health behaviors, and readiness to change prior to the initiation of and throughout the course of GLP-1 treatment. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This perspective serves as a call to action for research and clinical innovation to address the psychosocial effects of GLP-1s on adolescents. Screening, monitoring, and future research will be key to ensuring safe and effective use of GLP-1 therapy as well as optimal psychosocial outcomes for youth utilizing GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144044145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of a Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Program in a Prenatal and Pediatric Primary Care-Based Obesity Prevention Program.","authors":"Carol Duh-Leong, Mary Jo Messito, Michelle W Katzow, Leonardo Trasande, Elise R Warda, Christina N Kim, Janneth V Bancayan, Rachel S Gross","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0396","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0396","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Maternal consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce future childhood obesity risk. <i>Health Bucks</i>, a fruit and vegetable voucher program redeemable at New York City (NYC) farmers' markets, supports access to fresh produce. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort study, we evaluated the integration of <i>Health Bucks</i> into the prenatal expansion of a primary care-based obesity prevention program. We analyzed data from 176 pregnant Latina participants at a NYC public hospital, with vouchers given to 114 (64.8%) participants. Later in infancy, we measured maternal outcomes (fruit and vegetable intake, stress) and food access (food environment, household food insecurity). We performed adjusted regression analyses to evaluate outcome differences between those who received vouchers and those who did not. Secondary analyses assessed whether voucher redemption or first-trimester timing of distribution were associated with outcomes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Receipt of vouchers was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.6]), and lower stress (<i>B</i> = -1.9 [95% CI: -3.7, -0.1]). Voucher redemption was associated with higher daily fruit and vegetable intake (IRR = 1.3 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.6]). First trimester receipt was associated with a favorable view of the neighborhood food environment (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5 [95% CI: 1.04, 28.6]) and lower stress (<i>B</i> = -3.8 [95% CI: -7.5, -0.1). We did not detect associations with food insecurity. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Integrating <i>Health Bucks</i> into a prenatal obesity prevention program was associated with favorable outcomes. Subgroup analyses showed that voucher redemption and first-trimester receipt were associated with positive outcomes, guiding strategies for fruit and vegetable voucher distribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Obesity-Related Health Factors and Patient-Reported Outcomes: Linking Patient-Reported Outcomes to PEDSnet Electronic Health Record Data.","authors":"Thao-Ly T Phan, Erinn T Rhodes, Kamyar Arasteh, Amanda M Lewis, Ihuoma Eneli, Matthew A Haemer, Shelley Kirk, Janis M Stoll, Lloyd N Werk, Carole M Lannon, Christopher B Forrest","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0380","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> While studies have described poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among youth with obesity, less is known about health factors contributing to this perception. The study aims were to link patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data to electronic health record (EHR) data to describe the association between PROs and obesity-related health factors. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Youth and parents of youth receiving care from weight management programs at eight PEDSnet sites completed PROMIS® measures assessing global health, fatigue, stress, and family relationships. EHR data were extracted, including demographics, anthropometrics, diagnoses, medications, and visits for the period encompassing 12 months prior to and after the date of survey. Linear regression analyses describe the association between PROMIS® scores and the diagnosis of obesity-related comorbidities, medications for obesity-related comorbidities, and health care utilization. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, 1249 youth (56% with severe obesity) of diverse backgrounds (60% public insurance, 24% non-Hispanic Black, 24% Hispanic) were included. The diagnosis of many obesity-related comorbidities and use of medications for obesity-related conditions were associated with worse global health fatigue and stress scores. The strongest associations that were consistent across many of the PROMIS® measures included number of chronic medications, number of comorbidities, having a neuropsychological diagnosis, and body mass index percentile trajectory. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study details the association of the health issues experienced by youth with obesity and PROs, offering targets in weight management treatment to improve youth and family perception of overall health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144002368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Longitudinal Examination of Body Esteem as a Predictor of Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life Among Youth with Obesity Attending Canadian Weight Management Programs.","authors":"Maegan Dymarski, Annick Buchholz, Anne Bowker, Cecilia Jorgenson, Megan Lamb, Geoff D C Ball, Jill Hamilton, Josephine Ho, Anne-Marie Laberge, Laurent Legault, Mark S Tremblay, Ian Zenlea, Katherine M Morrison","doi":"10.1089/chi.2024.0392","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> This study explored whether baseline body esteem predicted changes in eating behaviors, physical activity (PA), and health-related quality of life (QoL) over a 24-month period among youth with obesity enrolled in weight management programs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Utilizing data from the CANadian Pediatric Weight Management Registry, the study included 415 participants (<i>n</i> = 221 girls, <i>n</i> = 194 boys) aged 10-17 years (mean = 13.2, standard deviation = 2.2). Baseline assessments included a measure of body esteem, while QoL, eating behaviors, and PA were reported at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Multilevel modeling was applied to examine the relationships between baseline body esteem and changes in outcomes over time. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Higher baseline body esteem was associated with higher initial QoL scores (β = 0.70, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and healthier eating behavior scores (β = -0.57, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Individuals with lower baseline body esteem exhibited greater improvements in QoL (β = -0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.010) and eating behaviors (β = 0.12, <i>p</i> = 0.004) over time. However, baseline body esteem did not significantly predict changes in PA. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These findings highlight the prospective relationship of body esteem with future health behaviors and outcomes, providing evidence for weight management programs to consider addressing body esteem within pediatric obesity research and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144035958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Levels in Children with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease.","authors":"Jamie Klein, Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar, Kristin Bramlage, Stavra Xanthakos, Rachel Sheridan, Marialena Mouzaki","doi":"10.1089/chi.2025.0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2025.0010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can progress to end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), albeit infrequently in childhood. Our objectives were to (1) investigate the prevalence of elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in children with advanced, MASLD-related, fibrosis (bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis) and (2) ascertain whether pediatric MASLD is associated with AFP elevations regardless of fibrosis severity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective cohort study of patients aged 6-18 years seen at a single center between 2000 and 2024. Demographics, anthropometrics, blood work, histological data, and relevant imaging studies were collected. Descriptive statistics were used. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Out of a cohort of 483 pediatric patients followed for MASLD with available AFP data, 161 had undergone liver biopsy, and of those, 22 had advanced fibrosis. Children with advanced fibrosis were predominantly male (82%) and non-Hispanic (55%), with a median age of 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 10-18) and severe obesity (median [IQR] body mass index <i>z</i>-score 2.56 [2.33-2.75]). No patients with advanced fibrosis had elevated AFP levels. Of the entire MASLD cohort, however, nine had elevated AFP levels. None were diagnosed with HCC or other tumors. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In a pediatric cohort with MASLD, severe fibrosis was not associated with elevated AFP levels. AFP elevations were seen however in some patients with MASLD but were not associated with malignancies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48842,"journal":{"name":"Childhood Obesity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}