Liver disease can affect people of all ages, including children. There are many possible
causes of liver disease in children, including viral infections, genetic disorders, and exposure
to toxins.
One common cause of liver disease in children is biliary atresia, a condition in which the bile
ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine are blocked or damaged. This can
lead to liver damage and scarring, and it is most commonly diagnosed in infants. Symptoms
of biliary atresia may include jaundice, abdominal swelling, and poor weight gain.
Metabolic diseases, such as Wilson's disease and urea cycle disorders, can also cause liver
disease in children. Wilson's disease is a rare inherited disorder that causes the body to
retain too much copper, leading to damage to the liver and other organs. Children with
Wilson's disease may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and tremors.
Urea cycle disorders are a group of inherited conditions that affect the body's ability to
process proteins and nitrogen, leading to a buildup of harmful substances in the body
causing drowsiness and mental confusion, which is termed as hepatic encephalopathy.
Children with these conditions may also be at increased risk of developing liver cancer.
Those with the above complications need a liver transplant.
If your child has been diagnosed with liver disease, it is important to consult a childrens’
liver specialist for the best treatment. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Medanta Hospital’s Pediatric Liver Center is among the top liver transplant centers in India
and Asia for liver transplantation for children.