The prevalence of obesity and elevated liver enzymes in children at a university gastroenterology clinic.

Obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for liver disease. We evaluated the prevalence of obesity and elevated liver transaminases in children referred to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntington. In a retrospective chart analysis the following data were collected: demographic, anthropometric, Body Mass Index, liver enzymes, medications, and final diagnosis. Of the 2550 charts reviewed, 540 children (21%) were obese, 399 (16%) were overweight, and 1,611 (63%) had normal weight. Liver enzymes were recorded in 902 children (35%). Elevated enzymes were found in 79 of the children (8.7%), but only 31 were appropriate for final calculation. Elevated liver enzymes were significantly higher in obese children compared to overweight or normal weight children. Over 30% of our children were obese or overweight. Obesity is a risk factor for elevated liver enzymes and early assessment is recommended.