Starting Age for Screening Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Children Using Controlled Attenuation Parameter on Transient Elastography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rising sedentary behaviour and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods have increased the risk and earlier onset of obesity in children.

Objectives

To define controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) cut-off values in healthy children, assess the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children with overweight and obesity, and establish an appropriate starting age for MASLD screening in our population.

Methods

Healthy primary school children were recruited. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using CAP, and body composition data were collected during two periods: August 2020-March 2021 and February 2023-May 2024.

Results

Of 1653 participants (mean age 9.5 ± 1.7 years), 976 children with nor

SUBMITTER: Lee LW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12722110 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature