Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Program
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is estimated to be 25%–30% in adults and varies according to race, ethnicity and geographic region. It is the most common condition leading to liver transplantation among adults in the United States. The prevalence of MASLD has also increased in children and adolescents, especially among certain races and ethnicities.
MASLD is characterized by fat deposits (steatosis) in the liver, which may cause inflammation, fibrosis and even cirrhosis in patients with obesity. Prior to developing cirrhosis, most patients with MASLD are asymptomatic and are first diagnosed with MASLD only after abnormal liver tests or ultrasound screenings and extensive testing for other etiologies of liver disease.
If your child suffers from MASLD, we now offer a special program devoted exclusively to helping them. Our program is dedicated to caring for all children with MASLD in the most comprehensive, family-friendly, non-invasive way possible. Your child will be cared for by expert physicians and, as needed, a nutritionist, social worker and other specialists.
CONTACT THE PEDIATRIC MASLD PROGRAM
Education & Training
Our program is an integral part of fellowship training in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. All gastroenterology fellows have dedicated hepatology rotations.
The overall goal of the rotation is for the fellow to master all aspects of direct clinical care of pre and post liver transplant patients, as well as patients afflicted with non-transplant-related diseases of the liver. The skills acquired include clinical assessment, treatment plan formulation, team organization, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and procedural expertise.
Our fellows will treat transplant candidates from start to finish. The care of patients will begin in the assessment phase and carry through to the evaluation process, listing process, pre-transplant support (medical, procedural, nutritional), critical peri-transplant phase, as well as the management of acute post-transplant complications. A mastery of the actions and application of immunosuppressant agents in patient care protocols will be essential.
Upon completion of the fellowship, the trainee will have become familiar with the practices of general hepatology and transplantation in both intensive and non-intensive care, inpatient settings, as well as in the outpatient setting.
Research
Myriad clinical research studies are currently underway. Our efforts remain focused, however, on developing non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as Dr. Rudolph’s testing of new imaging modalities (FibroScan and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging) and serum biomarkers in children. Families are able to participate in several other institutional/international studies and treatment trials, when available.
Call 718-741-2332 for information on MASLD Program research and clinical trials.