Shruti Sakhuja, Stacey S. Beer, Kalyani R. Patel, Alexiss M. Williams, Nhu Thao Galvan, John A. Goss, Krupa R. Mysore
Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.
United States
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterolgy and Nutrition Reports
JPGN Rep 2026; 7: 362-365
DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.70139
Abstract
Childhood obesity is rising and leading to serious co-morbidities, among which is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) predisposing individuals to cirrhosis. We describe a young 11-year-old Hispanic male who presented with hepatopulmonary syndrome secondary to cirrhotic portal hypertension from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), necessitating liver transplantation. Despite lifestyle modifications post-transplantation, the patient experienced persistent weight gain and recurrence of steatosis, emphasizing challenges of managing pediatric MASLD. The burden of childhood obesity is increasing and impacting children significantly earlier than previously believed. Our case is one of the few to report the severe complications of MASH in a young, pre-teen child necessitating early liver transplantation. Furthermore, the case highlights the evolving landscape of pediatric liver transplant, with MASH increasingly recognized as an indication for pediatric liver transplantation. The management of this disease is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Category
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations
Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Fresh or Filed Publication: Fresh (PHresh). Less than 1-2 years since publication
Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes