- Recommendation ID
- NG49/3
- Question
Non-invasive tests for diagnosing NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in children and young people:- Which non-invasive tests most accurately diagnose NAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in children and young people?
- Any explanatory notes
(if applicable) NAFLD is often suspected in children and young people with abnormal liver tests or evidence of fatty changes on ultrasound. However, the spectrum of NAFLD (from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver-related morbidity) can be present in the absence of abnormal liver tests. Early detection and assessment of severity of NAFLD would help identify potential silent progressive fatty liver disease.
Diagnostic practice varies and includes clinical, biochemical and radiographic tests. The evidence review showed that few diagnostic techniques have been assessed in children and young people. There is some evidence for ELF in diagnosing advanced liver fibrosis in children and young people with NAFLD, but only from 1 study. Further research is needed to confirm the most accurate tests in this group.
Source guidance details
- Comes from guidance
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): assessment and management
- Number
- NG49
- Date issued
- July 2016
Other details
| Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? | No |
| Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register? | No |
| Last Reviewed | 31/07/2016 |