Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
05:56

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: August 29, 2025

705

Management of adults with paediatric-onset chronic liver disease: strategic issues for transition care

Pietro Vajro1, Lorenza Ferrante2, Selvaggia Lenta3

  • 1Chair of Paediatrics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Baronissi (Salerno), Italy.

Digestive and Liver Disease : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
|December 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Many children with chronic liver disease now survive into adulthood, presenting unique challenges for adult hepatology. This review covers pediatric-onset liver conditions to improve adult care and patient transition.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Advances in pediatric chronic liver disease management allow more patients to reach adulthood.
  • Adult hepatology practices are increasingly encountering patients with conditions originating in childhood.
  • Pediatric-onset liver diseases often present differently than adult-onset conditions, requiring specialized knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide adult healthcare providers with comprehensive knowledge of pediatric-onset chronic liver diseases.
  • To outline the causes, presentations, evaluation, and management of these conditions.
  • To discuss key considerations for transitioning care from pediatric to adult settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pediatric-onset chronic liver diseases.
  • Examination of clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
  • Discussion of complications and long-term management needs.

Main Results:

  • Paediatric-onset liver diseases have diverse aetiologies and clinical presentations.
  • Adult physicians may be unfamiliar with the specific manifestations and management nuances.
  • Effective transition requires a thorough understanding of the disease spectrum and care differences.

Conclusions:

  • Adult medical staff need specialized knowledge of childhood liver diseases for optimal patient care.
  • Guidelines are needed to standardize the transition of care for these patients.
  • This review aims to facilitate the development of structured transition programs.

Keywords:
AdolescenceAdulthoodHepatobiliary diseasesHepatologistPaediatricsTransition care

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