Fatty Liver Disease Program
Fatty liver disease (also called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD) is a serious condition linked to excess body weight.
When there is too much fat on the body, the fat can invade the cells in the liver. The liver responds to this buildup with inflammation. If left untreated, the inflammation can cause scarring (cirrhosis) in the liver and harm its ability to work.
The Children’s National Fatty Liver Disease Program (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Program) works to prevent advanced liver disease in your child. With insights from multiple specialties, our doctors, dietitians and nurses team up with patients and families to prevent liver damage from getting worse and guide your child toward a healthier future.
Our Providers
Experts from different specialties work to stop – or reverse – fatty liver disease, supporting each child’s wellbeing.
Contact Information
For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and ask for the MASLD or Fatty Liver Disease Program.
Choosing Children’s National for Fatty Liver Disease Care
Fatty liver disease is a serious condition that can get worse over time if it’s not treated. Weight loss can prevent further liver damage and help your child thrive. Children’s National experts are here to help.
We can restore your child’s health with:
- A committed approach, dedicated to helping your child as long as you need us
- Counseling and education to empower children and families
- Expertise from every specialty that can help your child get better, including:
- Hepatology (liver medicine)
- Gastroenterology (digestive system medicine)
- Psychology and behavioral sciences (mental health)
- Nutrition and other specialties
- Proven interventions for weight loss and building exercise habits
- Referrals to heart and lung doctors and other specialists your child may need
A Healing Team
In addition to doctors and nurses, our program offers your child the benefit of:
- A dietitian specializing in well-balanced meal plans for weight loss
- An interpreter to help non-English speaking children and parents understand treatment and communicate with the team
- A psychologist who teaches children and parents how to cope and adjust to living with a chronic condition
- A range of educational resources including:
- Cooking videos
- In-depth educational handouts
- Podcast
- Educational videos
- Weekly clinics where the program leader meets with other experts on the team to discuss their patients’ needs and collaborate on individualized care
Fatty Liver Disease Treatment
The main fatty liver disease treatment is weight loss. Learn more about what to expect from fatty liver disease treatment plans at Children’s National.
Related Care Programs
Our Fatty Liver Disease Program (also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is part of the larger Hepatology Program at Children’s National. We also work closely with our colleagues in these other specialties to provide a well-rounded approach to children with fatty liver disease.
Referral Guidelines
Referring providers should consult our referral guidelines to assess when to refer to the Fatty Liver Disease Program.
Location
Main Hospital
- Specialty Care
- Emergency Care
Advice From Our Experts
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