Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study to Understand Characteristics and Risk Factors Underlying Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography-Diagnosed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Children

Overview

Journal Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2024 Dec 9

PMID 39649758

Authors

Fan Yang

Mengyuan Hu

Haoyang Zhang

Xiaowei Zheng

Limei Chen

Lihong Zhu

Le Zhang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a novel term proposed in 2023 to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with the aim of better reflecting its pathogenesis and clinical manifestations. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is an evidence-based, non-invasive imaging device used to evaluate liver fat deposition and fibrosis. It can effectively detect liver fat infiltration greater than 5%, which is much higher than the previous ultrasound detection rate (it is difficult to detect liver fat deposition below 30%). Nevertheless, the prevalence and characteristics of MASLD children diagnosed based on these updated criteria are currently not well established.

Methods: Currently, a prospective multi-center population-based cohort study is being conducted in Wuxi, China, spanning from 2023 to 2035, involving 5600 children from four primary schools. Throughout the study's baseline and follow-up periods, yearly physical examinations, laboratory tests, VCTE assessments, and bioelectrical impedance analysis are being conducted to measure MASLD-related biomarkers. Additionally, a questionnaire is being administered to inquire about dietary habits. MASLD is being diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory criteria, and the corresponding prevalence is being assessed.

Results: Recruitment began in March 13, 2023. To date, 1475 participants have completed the physical examination and questionnaire survey.

Discussion: Our study investigated the prevalence of MASLD and its influencing factors in Chinese school-age children and adolescents. By collecting and analyzing data from physical examinations and survey questionnaires, it may propose new avenues for guiding the treatment and early-stage prevention of MASLD in children.

Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (NO. ChiCTR2400080508).

Citing Articles

Potential alternative and novel biomarkers for paediatric MAFLD: exploratory evidence from a Chinese cohort.

Yang F, Hu M, Xu L, Zheng X, Zhu L, Zhang L BMC Gastroenterol. 2025; 25(1):28.

PMID: 39844086 PMC: 11752933. DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03619-2.

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