A case report of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a 10 year old boy: Challenge in the approach and management

ABSTRACT

@#According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, an estimated 38.2 million children under the age of 5 years were overweight or obese. With this increased prevalence along came the rise of its comorbidities such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at early ages. The general objective of this case study is to bring awareness of NAFLD in the young. The specific objective is to present a case of a ten year old boy with non alcoholic liver disease and the challenge in the management. The case study is a 10 year old boy diagnosed to be overweight, hypertriglyceridemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Baseline weight and body mass index were taken on his first visit and follow up. CBC, Na+, K+, Creatinine, SGPT, FBS, Uric Acid, Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, Low density lipoprotein, HBsAg, Anti-HBs, ultrasound of the abdomen and fibroscan of the liver were done. Nutritional counselling was given but not followed. Physical activity prescription of at least 30 minutes/day moderate intensity exercise five times/week. This was done for 1 hour/day five times/week. He was also prescribed N acetylcysteine, Fish oil and Vitamin D. After six and a half months, triglycerides became normal however weight and BMI remain the same. Non-alcoholic liver disease was still present on repeat abdominal ultrasound.@*Conclusion@#1. By engaging in exercise for 6 1/2 months, patient NP was able to normalize the elevated triglyceride level. 2. Without dietary modification, patient wasn’t able to improve his body mass index. His ultrasound still showed the presence of fatty liver. 3. Physicians have the power to influence patients on developing healthy behaviors. They need to take time to engage and listen and help patient discover by themselves lifestyle behaviors that can impact their health. 4. There is a great challenge in instituting this therapeutic intervention for a teenager especially when he is asymptomatic and do not see the need for it. To elicit a better outcome of this patient, it will entail the adoption of the lifestyle modification by the entire family. To set clear and achievable goals and a collaborative management to include a dietician, a health coach and a behavioral therapist may aid compliance.