Liver Problems in Children: An Overview
Learn about common liver problems in children, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Early detection and proper care can help manage paediatric liver conditions effectively.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
The liver is a crucial organ that helps the body digest food, store energy, and remove toxins. While we often think of liver problems as affecting adults, children can experience liver issues, too. These conditions can range from mild, treatable problems to more serious diseases. Unfortunately, liver problems in kids are often overlooked or mistaken for other illnesses because the symptoms can be subtle. Early detection is important for making sure children get the right treatment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at common liver problems in children, how to spot them, and the best ways to treat them.
Understanding the Liver’s Role in Children’s Health
The liver is responsible for many essential functions in the body, including:
Detoxification: Filtering toxins from the blood.
Bile production: Aids in the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Protein synthesis: Producing essential proteins like albumin and clotting factors.
Metabolism: Converting food into energy and storing glucose.
When the liver is damaged, these functions can be impaired, leading to a range of health issues that can be particularly concerning in children. Liver problems in children may be congenital (present at birth), acquired (developed later in life), or due to a combination of both factors.
Common Liver Problems in Children
Liver conditions in children can range from mild to severe, with causes that vary widely. Below, we will discuss some of the most common liver problems found in paediatric patients.
1. Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, typically caused by viral infections. Hepatitis in children can be classified into different types based on the virus responsible for the condition:
Hepatitis A: Caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), usually contracted through contaminated food or water. This infection usually goes away on its own, but while it's active, it can cause a fever, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by a virus spread through blood or body fluids. If it becomes a long-term infection, it can lead to serious liver damage, like liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer.
Hepatitis C: Transmitted through blood contact, often through shared needles or blood transfusions, although it is less common in children.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. It may cause fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. The exact cause of autoimmune hepatitis remains unclear but may involve genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Hepatitis in Children:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine and pale-coloured stools
Fatigue and nausea
Abdominal pain
Fever
Treatment for hepatitis depends on the type and severity of the infection. Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, while hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medications or, in the case of chronic infection, a liver transplant.
2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more common in children, particularly those who are overweight or obese. NAFLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver without alcohol consumption. In some cases, it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of fatty liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis.
Causes of NAFLD in Children:
Obesity and poor dietary habits
Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
Genetic factors
Symptoms of NAFLD in Children:
Fatigue or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Jaundice (in severe cases)
Unexplained weight loss
Poor appetite or growth
Diagnosis and Treatment of NAFLD:
NAFLD is often diagnosed through liver function tests, ultrasound imaging, and sometimes liver biopsy. The primary treatment for NAFLD is weight management and dietary changes. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and reduced sugar intake are essential for managing this condition. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage related conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
3. Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a rare but severe condition in which the bile ducts in the liver are blocked or absent. This leads to a buildup of bile in the liver, causing liver damage and jaundice. It is a congenital condition, meaning children are born with it.
Symptoms of Biliary Atresia:
Persistent jaundice (appears in the first few weeks of life)
Pale or clay-coloured stools
Dark urine
Poor growth and failure to thrive
Abdominal distension
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Biliary atresia is diagnosed using blood tests, imaging studies, and a liver biopsy. The condition requires prompt surgical intervention. A procedure called Kasai procedure is often performed, where a portion of the small intestine is used to bypass the blocked bile ducts. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary if the liver becomes damaged beyond repair.
4. Genetic and Metabolic Liver Disorders
Some liver problems in children are caused by genetic disorders that affect the liver's ability to metabolise certain substances. These conditions may not manifest until later in childhood, and symptoms can vary widely depending on the disorder.
Wilson’s Disease: A genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver, leading to liver damage, neurological problems, and psychiatric symptoms. Early treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible damage.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: This inherited disorder causes a deficiency of a protein that protects the lungs and liver. The result is liver damage, especially in infants and young children.
Galactosemia: A rare metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to metabolise galactose (a sugar found in milk). If untreated, it can cause liver failure, cataracts, and brain damage.
Symptoms of Genetic and Metabolic Disorders:
Jaundice
Poor growth and feeding problems
Enlarged liver or spleen
Abnormal blood clotting
Diagnosis and Treatment of Genetic Liver Disorders:
Genetic liver disorders are typically diagnosed through blood tests, genetic testing, and imaging studies. Treatment may involve medications, dietary restrictions, or enzyme replacement therapy, depending on the specific condition. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary.
5. Liver Tumours
Liver tumours in children are rare but can occur. The two most common types of liver tumours in children are hepatoblastomas and hemangiomas.
Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumour that affects children under the age of 3. It can cause abdominal pain, swelling, jaundice, and weight loss.
Hemangiomas are benign tumours that are often found incidentally during imaging studies. While they are typically not dangerous, large hemangiomas may cause complications and require treatment.
Symptoms of Liver Tumours:
Abdominal swelling or mass
Jaundice
Vomiting and loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Tumours:
Liver tumours are usually diagnosed with imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs. A biopsy may also be required for confirmation. Treatment depends on the type of tumour and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of both.
6. Liver Failure
Liver failure occurs when the liver loses its ability to perform essential functions. Acute liver failure in children can be caused by viral infections, toxins, or metabolic disorders. Chronic liver failure is typically the result of long-term liver damage, such as from cirrhosis or genetic conditions.
Symptoms of Liver Failure:
Jaundice
Bleeding or bruising
Confusion or altered mental state
Swelling in the abdomen and legs
Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Failure:
Liver failure is diagnosed through blood tests (liver function tests), imaging studies, and sometimes a liver biopsy. Treatment may involve medications to manage symptoms, and in severe cases, a liver transplant may be required.
Conclusion
Liver problems in children can range from mild and treatable conditions to more serious, life-threatening disorders. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing long-term complications and ensuring a healthy future for affected children. If you notice any symptoms such as jaundice, unexplained fatigue, or abdominal pain in your child, seek medical advice promptly. With proper care and management, many liver conditions can be effectively treated, allowing children to live full and healthy lives.
Consult Top Hepatologists
Consult Top Hepatologists
Dr. Rajeev Shandil
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DNB (Gastroenterology)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(125+ Patients)
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
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Dr. Madhu Sudan Modi
Surgical Gastroenterologist
35 Years • Gold Medalists. MBBS (Hons.), MS (Surgery), DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology), FRCS (England), MRCS (England), FACS (USA), FHPB (Germany), FLTx (Korea & UK), FMAS, , PDCC (TMH Mumbai). Senior Consultant - GI Surgery, GI Cancer, Laparoscopy, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic & Liver Transplant Surgeon.
Bhubaneswar
Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar
Prof. Dr. Kanhu Charan Das
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS, MD (Medicine) DM (Gastroenterology & Hepatology, CMC, Vellore). Advanced Proceduralist (ERCP, EUS, POEM & ESD) Senior Consultant - Gastroenterologist.
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Dr. Aakash Garg
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12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
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