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Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Implementation of Non-invasive Point of Care Transient Elastography for Evaluation of Liver Disease in Pediatric Populations with Cystic Fibrosis
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The current pediatric perspective on type B and C hepatic encephalopathy

Valérie A McLin1, Lorenzo D'Antiga2

  • 1Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.

Analytical Biochemistry
|February 1, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in acute liver failure (ALF) is known, but its impact on children with chronic liver disease (CLD) is less understood. This review focuses on the unique neurocognitive effects in children due to ongoing brain development during liver disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a recognized complication in pediatric acute liver failure (ALF), impacting survival.
  • The neurocognitive and psychiatric effects of chronic liver disease (CLD) in children are less understood, with limited data extrapolated from adult studies or animal models.
  • Children's developing brains face unique risks from liver disease due to ongoing central nervous system growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the distinctive neurocognitive aspects in children with CLD.
  • To highlight the unique challenges and outcomes related to neurodevelopment in pediatric chronic liver disease.
  • To synthesize current understanding of neurocognitive impacts in children with CLD or portosystemic shunts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on neurocognitive and psychiatric outcomes in pediatric CLD.
  • Analysis of studies examining children with established CLD or those who have undergone portosystemic bypass.
  • Synthesis of findings considering the developmental stage of the pediatric brain.

Main Results:

  • Children with CLD exhibit distinct neurocognitive profiles compared to adults.
  • Ongoing brain development in children with liver disease presents unique vulnerabilities.
  • Limited research exists specifically on the long-term neurocognitive sequelae in pediatric CLD.

Conclusions:

  • The neurocognitive impact of CLD in children requires further dedicated research.
  • Understanding these unique risks is crucial for improving long-term outcomes in pediatric liver disease.
  • Pediatric-specific research is needed to address the neurodevelopmental consequences of CLD.

Keywords:
AmmoniumChildrenChronic liver diseaseEncephalopathyGlutaminePortosystemic shuntingType BType C

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