What are common symptoms of pediatric liver diseases?
Common symptoms of pediatric liver diseases include jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain or swelling, poor growth, itching, dark urine, pale stools, and nausea or vomiting.
What are common causes of liver disease in children?
Common causes of liver disease in children include biliary atresia, metabolic liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and hemochromatosis; autoimmune hepatitis; infectious hepatitis; and drug-induced liver injury. Additionally, congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders can lead to pediatric liver dysfunction.
How is pediatric liver disease diagnosed?
Pediatric liver disease is diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, blood tests (including liver function tests), imaging studies (like ultrasound or MRI), and sometimes liver biopsy for histological analysis.
What are the treatment options for pediatric liver disease?
Treatment options for pediatric liver disease depend on the specific condition but may include medications to manage symptoms, lifestyle and dietary modifications, supportive care, and in severe cases, surgical interventions or liver transplantation. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual patient's needs and underlying cause of the disease.
Can pediatric liver diseases be prevented?
Some pediatric liver diseases can be prevented with vaccinations (such as hepatitis A and B), maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding certain toxins or infections during pregnancy. Genetic conditions and congenital anomalies typically cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis and management can improve outcomes.