Double Trouble: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Fraternal Twins.

Pediatric cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD, formerly termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are a troubling new outcome of the pediatric obesity epidemic. Advising patients and families with this condition is challenging considering the nutrition needed to sustain developmentally appropriate growth in youth. Describing risk factors, comorbidities, management, and referrals for MASLD could improve surveillance and outcomes for this condition. MASLD is commonly seen with other comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, anxiety, and depression. Considerations of epigenetics, diabetes, and adverse childhood experiences will be explored as additional underlying contributors to MASLD. Screening patients for this condition in conjunction with other comorbidities is essential to preventing the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, as well as lowering the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. This fraternal twin case report describes pertinent diagnostics, recommendations for referrals, follow-up consultations, and red flags for more advanced liver disease.