Paediatric steatotic liver disease has unique characteristics: A multisociety statement endorsing the new nomenclature
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), Latin‐American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (LASPGHAN), Asian Pan‐Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (APPSPGHAN), Pan Arab Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (PASPGHAN), Federation of International Societies of Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition (FISPGHAN)
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been a commonly used term and diagnosis in paediatric hepatology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology clinics for over 30 years. A multisociety Delphi process has determined a new name "Steatotic Liver Disease" (SLD) as the overarching term for disorders associated with hepatic lipid accumulation. Our Societies give our support to steatotic liver disease as the best overarching term for use in our communities. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) overcomes many of the shortcomings of the name NAFLD. Here, we highlight several points of the new nomenclature that are of particular importance for our community and their consequences for implementation including: diagnostic criteria, considering alternate diagnoses, practical implementation, research, advocacy, and education for paediatricians. As with all nomenclature changes, it will take a concerted effort from our paediatric societies to help integrate the optimal use of this into practice.