Effect of Metformin or Vitamin E on Ultrasonographic Grade and Biochemical Findings of Children and Adolescents with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent form of liver disease in children, defined as the infiltration of fat into more than 5% of liver cells with metabolic syndrome consisting of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity.

This study aimed to assay the effect of metformin or vitamin E on ultrasonographic grade and biochemical findings of children and adolescents with NAFLD.

This clinical trial was performed on 150 non-diabetic obese children with NAFLD in the age range of 10 to 14 in Qazvin, Iran, during 2018 - 2019. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 was treated with metformin at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for three months; group 2 received vitamin E at a dose of 400 units twice daily; and group 3 received a placebo. In addition, all the three groups were given the same proper diet and advised to increase their physical activity. SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the data.

After the intervention, in groups receiving metformin and vitamin E, the grades of fatty liver decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and the decrease was more significant in the group receiving metformin.

Insulin resistance is one of the critical factors in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. By reducing insulin resistance with drug treatment, desirable results can be achieved.