Exploring non-invasive diagnostics and non-imaging approaches for pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Core Tip

Core Tip: This article reviews non-invasive diagnostic approaches and liver fibrosis assessment methods for pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), highlighting the recent nomenclature change and the significance of early diagnosis. MASLD is the most common chronic liver disease in children, with approximately half of the pediatric cases progressing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis at diagnosis and already having comorbidities such as renal disease, sarcopenia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. While liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing MASLD, it is invasive. To avoid liver biopsy in children, developing non-invasive methods such as biomarkers, serum tests, and imaging is essential.