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Caring for children with fatty liver disease
Learn how our Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Program cares for children with fatty liver disease.
Related tests and treatments:
Our approach to fatty liver disease
Children’s Wisconsin offers a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to managing fatty liver disease. Our Liver Disease and Transplant Program has vast experience treating a variety of liver disorders, and our team includes pediatric hepatologists, nurse practitioners, dietitians, psychologists and social workers. The program is led by Bernadette Vitola, MD, MPH, a board-certified hepatologist.
We know that weight loss can be challenging, and we will provide the resources and support you need to adopt the lifestyle changes necessary to improve your child’s health. We will also work closely with your child’s primary care physician and any other specialists involved in your child’s care.
Fatty liver disease services we offer
- Diagnosis and evaluation
- Customized treatment plan
- Nutritional counseling
- Psychological services
Diagnosing and treating fatty liver disease
If your child is overweight or obese, the doctor may screen for fatty liver disease and other possible complications of obesity. The following tests are used to diagnose fatty liver disease:
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Fibroscan
We will work together to create a customized treatment plan for your child. As a starting point, we typically recommend a 4-3-2-1-0 approach to your child’s day, which stands for:
- 4 meals with family per week
- 3 meals per day
- Less than 2 hours of screen time per day
- At least 1 hour of exercise daily
- 0 sweet drinks or high-calorie snacks
For more information, watch this short video!
Our dieticians can offer detailed advice on meal planning, and our physical therapists can also provide recommendations on an exercise regimen that’s best for your child.
We will meet with your family every three to six months to monitor your child’s liver function and treatment plan. If your child adheres to the plan, it’s possible to reverse the damage of fatty liver disease and improve your child’s overall health.
Make an appointment
To make an appointment, call our Central Scheduling team or request an appointment online.
(877) 607-5280
Need assistance?
From out of town? The Access Center can provide assistance in coordinating appointments, insurance, etc. Use our online form or call: (414) 266-6300.