Pathophysiology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Youth with Obesity
- Study HIC#:2000028731
- Last Updated:11/26/2024
Our research team is studying the causes of fatty liver disease and the role of sugars in liver fat content among children and adolescents with obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease in pediatrics, affecting approximately 7 million children and teens in the U.S. Early onset fatty liver increases the risk of complications later in life. Hispanic youth are affected by NAFLD, with prevalence rates around 45%, compared to 13% in Black/African American youth.
By studying these groups, we aim to understand why certain ethnicities are more susceptible to liver fat accumulation. We would like to understand why some children and young adults develop fatty liver and some do not. We are looking for adolescents aged 12-22 who are considered overweight/obese (BMI >30), identify as Hispanic or Black/African American, and are not on any weight loss medication.
Participants will complete 3 research visits and follow-up visits every 6 months for 2 years. As part of the study, participants will gain valuable health insights, including whether they have fatty liver, prediabetes, or diabetes, with results shared with to their provider as well as guidance on dietary health.
Participants may be compensated up to $690. To learn more or to see if you or your child are eligible, please contact Ermena Refugjati at Ermena.Refugjati@yale.edu or call/text at (203) 684-2546.
- Age12 years - 22 years
- GenderBoth
Contact Us
For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact:
Ermena Refugjati, CRA
- Phone Number: 1-203-684-2546
Help Us Discover!
You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile, or contact helpusdiscover@yale.edu, or call +18779788343 for more information.
Trial Purpose and Description
Our research team is studying the causes of fatty liver disease and the role of sugars in liver fat content among children and adolescents with obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease in pediatrics, affecting approximately 7 million children and teens in the U.S. Early onset fatty liver increases the risk of complications later in life. Hispanic youth are affected by NAFLD, with prevalence rates around 45%, compared to 13% in Black/African American youth.
By studying these groups, we aim to understand why certain ethnicities are more susceptible to liver fat accumulation. We would like to understand why some children and young adults develop fatty liver and some do not. We are looking for adolescents aged 12-22 who are considered overweight/obese (BMI >30), identify as Hispanic or Black/African American, and are not on any weight loss medication.
Participants will complete 3 research visits and follow-up visits every 6 months for 2 years. As part of the study, participants will gain valuable health insights, including whether they have fatty liver, prediabetes, or diabetes, with results shared with to their provider as well as guidance on dietary health.
Participants may be compensated up to $690. To learn more or to see if you or your child are eligible, please contact Ermena Refugjati at Ermena.Refugjati@yale.edu or call/text at (203) 684-2546.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Good general health, taking no medication on a chronic basis;
- age 12 to years, in puberty (girls and boys: Tanner stage II-V);
- BMI >85th for obese cohort;
Exclusion Criteria:
- Baseline creatinine >1.0 mg; pregnancy;
- the presence of endocrinopathies (e.g. Cushing syndrome);
- cardiac or pulmonary or other significant chronic illness;
- adolescents with a psychiatric disorder or with substance abuse;
- monogenic obesity syndromes;
- use of drugs affecting intrahepatic fat content (e.g.; liraglutide, fish oil, etc.).
