Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Clinic

Steatotic liver disease, often called fatty liver disease, occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver. This condition is referred to as hepatic (related to the liver) steatosis (buildup of fat within cells). In patients who have hepatic steatosis in addition to a heart-related risk factor, it’s called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD.

Formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the term has been updated to help with diagnosis and reflect other health conditions that may be present. Since other liver diseases can cause fat deposits in the liver, a diagnosis of MASLD is only given to patients who aren’t exposed to medication or some other factor that could cause fat to buildup in their liver.

Whether you’re still looking for an accurate diagnosis for your child or MASLD is already diagnosed, we can help. Your family can benefit from the advanced diagnostics, clinical expertise and various treatment options available at Phoenix Children’s. And we can guide your family in taking steps to lower their risk factors for other related health conditions.

Our multidisciplinary MASLD Clinic addresses whole-body health to help patients use a variety of strategies for a healthier liver. In the Southwest, there are limited options for families to access a multidisciplinary clinic like the one at Phoenix Children’s. We have providers who are certified in obesity medicine, which gives us a unique level of expertise.

We know that your child’s improved health requires more than just diet and exercise, such as medications and surgical options. In addition, we now have a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to childhood obesity. And we continue to learn more about the role of genetics in developing obesity. We want to set up your child for the healthiest future possible using proven strategies to treat obesity and prevent other chronic conditions from occurring.

Our goal is to prevent your child’s liver disease from progressing and help them lead a long and healthy life. That’s why our clinic includes a full team of experts: physicians, pediatric nutritionists, child psychologists and others. We also coordinate with the Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment, Research and Education program, simply called the CARE Clinic, and our bariatric surgery program. 

We’ll follow your child’s progress over time because managing MASLD can be a life-long challenge. And if your child needs other specialty care, we can refer them to

Phoenix Children’s experts in other areas:

• Bariatric surgery 
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Pulmonology

Our highly trained pediatric gastroenterologists have teamed up with researchers to better understand obesity and all its contributing factors, including genetics. From your very first visit with us, you and your child are important members of the care team. We’ll partner with you to find the best solution for your child’s healthy future.

During visits, we’ll monitor the appearance of your child’s liver and measure liver enzymes over time. In addition to offering medication or other treatment options, we can connect you to resources that will help your family create healthy lifestyle habits to last a lifetime. Taking this holistic approach is your child’s best chance at maintaining a healthy liver and preventing the disease from progressing.

If you’re worried about your child’s weight – or if fatty liver disease runs in your family – discuss it with your child’s pediatrician. If lab tests or imaging shows concerning results, they can refer you to our clinic.

Because MASLD can be a life-long challenge, we’re committed to working with your family for the long haul – whether that’s for a few months or several years. And when your child reaches early adulthood, we have a plan in place to help them transition to a quality program with an adult provider.