New Study Reveals Best Cut-Off for ALT to Predict Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Youths with Obesity

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli have published a study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, investigating the best cut-off of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to predict metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in youths with overweight/obesity. The multicenter, cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2813 youths aged 6-17 years, recruited in 10 Italian centers for the management of pediatric obesity. The study found that the values of ALT 26 IU/L in boys and 22 IU/L in girls can be used for the screening of MASLD in youths with overweight/obesity, while the combination of triglyceride-glucose indices is not superior to ALT alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 2813 youths aged 6-17 years, recruited in 10 Italian centers for the management of pediatric obesity.
  • The study found that MASLD was observed in 1278 youths (45.1%).
  • The global AUC of ALT was 0.661 (0.641-0.682), indicating that ALT can be used for the screening of MASLD in youths with overweight/obesity.
  • The values of ALT 26 IU/L in boys and 22 IU/L in girls were found to be the best cut-off for predicting MASLD.
  • The combination of triglyceride-glucose indices was not found to be superior to ALT alone for predicting MASLD.
  • The study suggests that a simple blood test can be used to screen for MASLD in youths with overweight/obesity.

Statistics:

  • 2813 youths aged 6-17 years participated in the study.
  • 45.1% of the participates were found to have MASLD.
  • The AUC of ALT for predicting MASLD was 0.661 (0.641-0.682).
  • The best cut-off for ALT to predict MASLD in boys was 26 IU/L.
  • The best cut-off for ALT to predict MASLD in girls was 22 IU/L.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Obesity Study Findings from University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (Ability of triglyceride-glucose indices to predict metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease in pediatric obesity). Pediatrics Week. September 20, 2025; p 161.
  • Ability of triglyceride-glucose indices to predict metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in pediatric obesity. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2025.
  • Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Contact: Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.