Over 100 different diseases and conditions can affect the liver of infants and children. Some of these diseases are unique to babies, while some are caused by inflammation and others are genetic. For most of these childhood liver problems, the exact cause is unknown and treatment will be ongoing throughout the child's life.
Testing
Numerous tests are routinely done to diagnose liver problems in childhood. One of the most common tests, called a liver function study, is done with a sample of blood. Other noninvasive tests to check a child's liver include ultrasound, CT and MRI studies. If a suspicious area is noted in the liver, a liver biopsy may be done to check for cancer and other diseases.
Biliary Atresia
Occurring in about 1 of every 15,000 live births, biliary atresia is an inflammatory process that begins soon after the child is born. Biliary atresia occurs when the small ducts that move bile from the liver to the gallbladder are obstructed, causing bile to back up in the liver. This excess bile build-up quickly leads to liver damage. Treatment for biliary atresia is surgical intervention to create artificial bile ducts throughout the liver. Infants born with biliary atresia are often also born with other congenital problems.
Cirrhosis
While cirrhosis of the liver is often thought of as a disease caused by prolonged abuse of alcohol, cirrhosis is also a genetic childhood liver problem that is mainly associated with American Indians. Cirrhosis is any condition in which healthy liver cells are replaced by fibrous tissues and nodules. Cirrhosis' exact cause in children is unknown, but it has been classified as an autoimmune disorder. While the damage of cirrhosis is not reversible, diet and close monitoring of liver function can control the damage.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma, or childhood liver cancer, is an extremely rare disease characterized by the formation of cancerous tumors in the liver. The cause of hepatocellucar carcinoma is believed to be genetic in nature, but it is unclear what exactly triggers the tumors to form. This cancer is treated with removal of the cancerous tumor followed by intensive chemotherapy. If the tumor cannot be removed surgically and has not spread to other organs, the only feasible solution is a liver transplant.
Glycogen Storage Diseases
Approximately 10 types of glycogen storage diseases affect the liver. These diseases are genetic and occur when abnormal types of glycogen are stored in the liver. Glycogen storage disease must be inherited from a defective gene from both parents. Treatment is usually with special diets and medications.
Acute Liver Failure
Acute liver failure as a childhood liver problem that occurs when large numbers of liver cells die within a very short period of time. Acute liver failure has many causes, but one of the most common causes in children is medication toxicity, especially the overuse of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Other causes of acute liver failure include inflammation and metabolic conditions. Treatment depends upon the cause of the disease and can include removal of the aggravating factor, medications or possible liver transplant.
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