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[Liver cirrhosis in childhood--etiology, diagnosis and conservative therapy]
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|August 29, 1986
Insights
Pediatric liver cirrhosis is often diagnosed late. Early detection of neonatal cholestatic syndromes, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Pediatrics
Context:
- Liver cirrhosis is uncommon in children but frequently diagnosed late.
- Neonatal cholestatic syndromes are a common cause of biliary cirrhosis in early childhood.
- Chronic active autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson's disease can lead to cirrhosis if not treated promptly in children.
Purpose:
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis of pediatric liver cirrhosis.
- To emphasize the need for timely intervention in specific pediatric liver diseases.
- To guide pediatricians in evaluating children with potential liver disorders.
Summary:
- Liver cirrhosis in children, though rare, is often detected at a late stage.
- Biliary cirrhosis in early childhood frequently stems from neonatal cholestatic syndromes.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson's disease can prevent cirrhosis in children.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic rates for pediatric liver cirrhosis.
- Reduced long-term complications associated with childhood liver disease.
- Enhanced clinical management strategies for pediatric liver disorders.
Abstract:
Liver cirrhosis is relatively rare in children as compared to adults; frequently it is diagnosed too late. Biliary cirrhosis of early childhood is often the result of neonatal cholestatic syndromes. Beyond infancy, cirrhosis as a consequence of chronic active autoimmune hepatitis or of Wilson's disease may be prevented, if causal therapy is begun in time. Hence paediatricians should exclude both diseases in all children with elevated transaminases and clinical features of a liver disorder.