Serum Levels of CK18 M30 and Leptin Are Useful Predictors of Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis in Paediatric NAFLD

ABSTRACT Background: With the alarming growth in prevalence of paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is a need for noninvasive methods of stratifying disease severity. Our aim was to evaluate a combination of serum biomarkers as a measure of disease activity in paediatric NAFLD. Patients and Methods: Forty‐five children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were enrolled. Caspase‐cleaved CK18 fragments (CK18 M30), hyaluronic acid, leptin, and adiponectin were measured in serum using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein using a colorimetric assay. Results: Median age was 12.7 years (55% boys). Median body mass index z score was 1.7. CK18 M30 levels were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD versus controls, median 288 IU/L versus 172 IU/L ( P < 0.001), and in those with steatohepatitis, median 347 IU/L versus simple steatosis (NAFLD activity score < 3), median 191 IU/L ( P = 0.006). Significant fibrosis (≥F2) could be differentiated from no/minimal fibrosis (<F2), median 393 IU/L versus 243 IU/L ( P = 0.03). Leptin could distinguish <F2 from ≥F2; 28.9 ng/mL versus 70.1 ng/mL ( P = 0.037). Adiponectin, hyaluronic acid, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein did not achieve significance in predicting steatohepatitis nor significant fibrosis. Conclusions: The present study combines use of markers for different processes in the development of steatohepatitis. Serum biomarkers, especially CK18 M30, are useful in stratifying disease severity in paediatric NAFLD.