Paediatric (Ped) Hepatology

This is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of liver disorders in children. The liver is a vital organ that helps in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Liver diseases can be caused by viral infections, genetic disorders, or exposure to toxins.

What is Paediatric Hepatology?

Most parents have never heard of paediatric hepatology, but it is a subspecialty of paediatrics that deals with disorders of the liver in children. The liver is a vital organ that plays many roles in the body, so when something goes wrong with it, it can have a big impact on a child’s health.

Paediatric hepatologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat liver disorders in children. They work closely with other members of the child’s healthcare team to provide the best possible care.

If your child has a liver disorder, you may be referred to a paediatric hepatologist. Some common conditions that are treated by paediatric hepatologists include:

• Biliary atresia – a condition that affects the bile ducts and can lead to liver damage
• Cirrhosis – a chronic condition that leads to scarring of the liver
• Hepatic encephalopathy – a condition that can occur when the liver is not functioning properly and can cause neurological problems
• Liver transplant – when the child’s own liver is not able to function properly, a transplant may be needed

What are The Causes of Paediatric Liver Disease?

There are many different causes of paediatric liver disease. Some common causes include viral infections, inherited metabolic disorders, and blockages in the bile ducts. Other less common causes include autoimmune liver disease, cancer, and exposure to certain toxins. Many times, the exact cause of a child's liver disease cannot be determined.

How is Paediatric Liver Disease Diagnosed?

There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose paediatric liver disease. One way is through a medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will also do a physical examination. Another way to diagnose paediatric liver disease is with tests. These tests can include blood tests, imaging tests, or biopsies. Blood tests can show if there are problems with the liver or if there are certain viruses or toxins in the body. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, can show the size and shape of the liver. Biopsies involve taking a small sample of liver tissue to be examined under a microscope. This is often done with a needle biopsy or laparoscopic biopsy.