Pediatric Fatty Liver Treatment in Silver Spring

Pediatric Fatty Liver Treatment in Silver Spring

At Alega Health, Dr. Tara Altepeter provides expert diagnosis and treatment for pediatric fatty liver disease (metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD). As a triple board-certified physician in Obesity Medicine, General Pediatrics, and Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dr. Altepeter brings specialized expertise to help children and teens overcome this increasingly common condition. Her decade of experience at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research provides her with deep knowledge of evidence-based treatments that can reverse liver damage and restore your child’s health.

Fatty liver disease (formally known as “metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis,” or MASLD) occurs when the body starts to store excessive fat inside the cells of the liver.  Over time, this fat causes irritation to the liver cells (inflammation) and if this process is not reversed, it can progress to scarring of the liver tissue (fibrosis) and more severe chronic liver disease.  

In the early stages there are generally no symptoms; this diagnosis may come up on blood tests that are done as part of general health screening.

The good news is that with increased awareness and screening efforts by pediatricians, MASLD is being diagnosed earlier in children. When identified and effectively treated early, this condition is fully reversible for many patients.

Once diagnosed, it is important to have regular follow-ups with your doctor to monitor progression. Without intervention, it is possible for the disease to progress (usually over many years) to cirrhosis of the liver.  In adults, fatty liver disease leading to end-stage liver is disease is now the #1 cause of liver transplants in the United States. 

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