Authors:
Ayonrinde OT, Olynyk JK, Marsh JA, Beilin LJ, Mori TA, Oddy WH, Adams LA
Authors notes:
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2015;30(1):163-171
Keywords:
Anthropometry, body mass index, cohort study, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, skinfold thickness
Abstract:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its metabolic risk factors are recognized during childhood and adolescence.
Identification of adolescents at risk of NAFLD from childhood anthropometry may expose opportunities to influence the hepatic and metabolic destinies of individuals.
We sought associations between NAFLD diagnosed during adolescence and earlier life trajectories of anthropometry, in a population-based cohort of predominantly Caucasian adolescents.
NAFLD was diagnosed in 15.2% of adolescents.
Birth anthropometry, including birth weight, skinfold thickness, and ponderal index, was not associated with NAFLD.
However, adiposity differences between 17-year-old adolescents with NAFLD and those without NAFLD were apparent from age 3 years.
Greater adiposity trajectories for weight, body mass index, skinfold thickness, mid-arm circumference, and chest circumference from age 3 years onwards, particularly in males, were associated with the diagnosis of NAFLD and severity of hepatic steatosis at age 17 years.
The strength of the associations increased with age after 3 years for each adiposity measure.
Trajectories of childhood adiposity are associated with NAFLD. Adiposity attained by 3 years of age and older, but not at birth, was associated with the diagnosis and severity of hepatic steatosis in late adolescence.
Exploration of clinically relevant risk factors and preventative measures for NAFLD should begin during childhood.