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Effect of Supplementation of Fish Oil on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Fish Oil
Registration Number
NCT01547910
Lead Sponsor
Piotr Socha
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy of fish oil (EPA/DHA) in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Detailed Description

76 children or adolescents aged 6-19 with NAFLD will be included in the study. Diagnosis of NAFLD is set by increased alanine transaminase and features of liver steatosis on ultrasound. Patients will be randomized to receive either fish oil (EPA/DHA, 400-1200mg) or placebo (sunflower oil) for 6 months. All children will be advised to reduce weight (dietetic intervention + increased physical activity). Laboratory tests, liver ultrasound, anthropometric analysis will be performed at the start, after 3 months and 6 months.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
76
Inclusion Criteria
  • age 6-19
  • overweight or obesity
  • ALT activity over 130% of upper limit norm
  • hyperechogenicity of the liver on ultrasound
Exclusion Criteria
  • HCV, HBV infection
  • cholestasis
  • chronic/acute liver failure
  • alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
  • Wilson disease
  • type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • beta-oxidation defects
  • alcohol consumption
  • history of parenteral nutrition
  • use of drugs

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Fish oilFish OilChildren will receive fish oil capsules according to age as described in the protocol
PlaceboFish OilSunflower oil in the same capsules (the same shape and colour) given in the same regime as 'fish oil' capsules
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Serum alanine transaminase level decrease min. 0.3 upper limit of normal6 months

Number of patients in whom ALT decreased min. 0.,3 ULN in 'fish oil' group compared to 'placebo' group

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Caloric intake including fat intake and sucrose intake6 months

'Fish oil' group will be compared to 'placebo' group

Insulin resistance markers as Homa-IR6 months

'Fish oil' group will be compared to 'placebo' group

Fat and lean body mass measurements6 months

'Fish oil' group will be compared to 'placebo' group

normalization of liver imaging on ultrasoundafter 6 months of therapy

'Fish oil' group will be compared to 'placebo' group

ALT and AST activity6 months

'Fish oil' group will be compared to 'placebo' group

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