Ascites and encephalopathy in chronic liver disease

Ascites and particularly encephalopathy in the setting of chronic liver disease are traditionally thought to be poor prognostic markers of end stage liver disease. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these complications are based on experience with adult patients, however, differences in the spectrum of aetiologies causing end stage liver disease together with the relative resistance of the pediatric patient to encephalopathy impact on the management of such patients. The following is a review of current thinking in the aetiology and management of ascites and encephalopathy in the setting of chronic liver disease in children.