The purpose of this interventional study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Vitamin E and Choline in children or adolescents with well-characterized and liver biopsy confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Sixty children or adolescents (4-16 years) with liver biopsy proven NAFLD will be enrolled. They will be randomized to treatment with DHA, VIT E and Choline (n=30)or an identical placebo (n=30) given orally for a period of 12 months. All patients will be included in a lifestyle intervention program consisting of a diet tailored on the individual requirements and physical exercise. Patients will undergo a medical evaluation every three months during the 12-month study period. Liver biopsy will be performed at baseline and at 12 months. Anthropometric analysis, laboratory tests, including liver enzymes and lipids will be repeated at 3-month intervals during the 12-months study duration. Ultrasonography of the liver will be repeated after six months at the end of the study period.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
60
DHA 250 mg plus Vitamin E (39 UI) plus Choline 201 mg
placebo
Bambino Gesù Hospital and Research Institute
Rome, Rome, Italy, Italy
Improvement in NAFLD Activity Score (NAS)
Time frame: 12 months
Improvement of serum alanine transferase levels, lipid profile, glico-insulinemic profile (all parameters of metabolic syndrome) and bright liver at ultrasonography
Time frame: 6 and 12 months
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