JOURNAL OF THE CZECH PEDIATRIC SOCIETY AND THE SLOVAK PEDIATRIC SOCIETY

Čes-slov Pediat 2026, 81(88):33-38

Hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis as complications of childhood obesity

Eliška Hloušková, Jana Šťastná, Petr Jabandžiev
Pediatrická klinika, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita a Fakultní nemocnice Brno

The most common gastrointestinal complication of childhood obesity is fatty liver, steatosis or steatohepatitis. Due to the

rising prevalence of obesity, steatotic liver disease has become the most common

liver disease of childhood. The etiology is complex and not always dependent on obesity of the patient. Consequently, the nomenclature has undergone changes in recent years. Instead of the former term Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is now recommended to use the term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

(MASH) has been coined for inflammatory liver disease induced by metabolic dysfunction. Diagnosis is based on evidence of steatosis and increased liver tests. Histopathological examination of biopsy remains the most accurate method of assessing steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. The therapy for MASLD is lifestyle modification, physical activity, and weight optimization, in indicated cases in

combination with anti-obesity drugs. The article summarizes current recommendations for the management of steatotic liver disease in children with obesity.

Keywords: steatosis, steatohepatitis, obesity, MASLD, MASH.

Accepted: March 31, 2026; Published: March 1, 2026  Show citation

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Hloušková E, Šťastná J, Jabandžiev P. Hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis as complications of childhood obesity. Ces-slov Pediat. 2026;81(Suppl.):33-38.
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