Language
English
Publication Date
11-1-2025
Journal
Hepatology
DOI
10.1097/HEP.0000000000001440
PMID
40550108
PMCID
PMC12236211
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
6-23-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become more prevalent on a global scale over the last decades and is associated with significant comorbidities in childhood and a 40-fold higher risk of early mortality in young adulthood. MASLD has now become the leading indication for liver transplantation in young adults in the United States. However, pediatric MASLD is still perceived as an indolent condition by many patients, families, and clinicians. In this Call to Action, we aim to raise awareness of pediatric MASLD as a public health crisis. Herein, we describe insufficient screening and disease staging practices, and a lack of accurate non-invasive tests and effective pharmacotherapy, both stemming from a paucity of multicenter clinical trials in pediatric MASLD. We provide clear steps to address this public health emergency by promoting awareness campaigns, educating and empowering patients and families, addressing barriers including access to care, nutritional and exercise support programs, establishing multidisciplinary care, launching community initiatives, and conducting clinical trials in pediatric MASLD for an age-based evaluation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options. We conclude by highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies to control the tide of pediatric MASLD and call upon stakeholders to act now.
Keywords
Humans, Child, Fatty Liver, Pediatric MASLD, Public Health, Diagnostics, Therapeutics
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Hartmann, Phillipp; Mouzaki, Marialena; Hassan, Sara; et al., "Call to Action-Pediatric Masld Requires Immediate Attention To Curb Health Crisis" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7567.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7567