Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children and Adolescents Taking Atypical Antipsychotic Medications: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) are commonly prescribed to children and adolescents and are associated with important adverse effects including weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not only the most common pediatric liver disease but is also associated with serious complications including liver cirrhosis. OBJECTIVE: Given that NAFLD and AAP are associated with metabolic syndrome, we aim to comprehensively examine the association between AAP and NAFLD in children and adolescents. METHODS: We will conduct a systematic review of studies exploring NAFLD in subjects younger than 18 years on AAP published in English between 1950 and 2020 following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. RESULTS: A PRISMA flowchart will be used present the study results after comprehensively reviewing studies on NAFLD in children and adolescents taking AAP. The first and second systematic searches will be conducted during December 2021. The results are expected to be published in June 2022. CONCLUSIONS: This research project will serve as a foundation for future studies and assist in devising interventions and reforming clinical guidelines for using AAP to ensure improved patient safety. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/20168