What Is NAFLD?
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use. When heavy alcohol use causes fat to build up in the liver, this condition is called alcohol-associated liver disease.
Two types of NAFLD are nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Children typically develop one type of NAFLD or the other, although sometimes children with one form are later diagnosed with the other form of NAFLD. NAFL is a mild condition, and NASH is a more serious condition.
NAFL
NAFL is the form of NAFLD in which a child has increased fat in the liver but little or no inflammation or liver damage. NAFL typically doesn’t progress to cause liver damage or complications.
NASH
NASH is the form of NAFLD in which a child has inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to fat in the liver. The inflammation and liver damage of NASH can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver. NASH may lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.
Experts are not sure why some children with NAFLD have NASH while others have NAFL.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)