Cirrhosis of the Liver

The liver is the second largest organ in the body, performing many essential functions for healthy day-to-day living. Its primary job is to clean the bloodstream of harmful substances, filtering out a wide range of pathogens like viruses and bacteria. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs, produces proteins that help the blood to clot normally, and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Although a healthy liver has a remarkable ability to repair itself, chronic damage to liver cells can lead to scarring and eventually cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease in which scar tissue replaces soft, healthy liver tissue. As scar tissue builds up, the liver becomes hard and slowly cuts off blood circulation in this vital organ – which interferes with the liver's many important functions.

For young children, cirrhosis is most often caused by a genetic condition such as biliary atresia. In older children and adolescents, conditions such as Wilson disease and autoimmune hepatitis can cause cirrhosis.

The goal of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital team is to provide families with the knowledge, support and options to make the best decisions for their loved ones. If your child has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, call us today at 314-268-4010 to schedule an appointment to learn how we can help.

Signs & Symptoms of Pediatric Liver Cirrhosis

Many children show no obvious signs of cirrhosis early on - though the medical condition which is causing the liver damage is often known to the family or has its own set of symptoms. As the scarring progresses, children may have the following general symptoms:

• Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Weight loss (“failure to thrive” in babies)
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

Children with cirrhosis also bruise and bleed easily and be more susceptible to infection than other kids.

Pediatric Cirrhosis Diagnosis

As noted, cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by a wide range of medical conditions, so certain tests will likely be conducted to determine the underlying cause of the liver damage.

Your child may need blood tests to determine blood type, or imaging tests like an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. The doctor may also do a biopsy (removing a tiny piece of tissue from the liver for examination).

Treatment Options for Children with Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a chronic condition, and if left untreated it can lead to serious complications like malnutrition, diabetes, liver cancer and kidney or liver failure. Children with cirrhosis may need ongoing medical monitoring and treatment for the rest of their lives.

Since a wide range of medical conditions and lifestyle choices can cause cirrhosis, individual treatment plans will vary. Addressing the underlying cause(s) of the liver damage is the first step. Other medications may help the liver to heal itself/limit further damage or manage symptoms.

Avoiding harmful substances is always strongly recommended for those with cirrhosis.

Liver Transplant

Transplants are done when the child’s liver is functioning very poorly, and he or she won’t survive without a new one. Every patient’s circumstances are different, but usually a liver transplant will not be recommended until all other treatments have been tried to save a child’s liver.

We recognize that the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis affects a family greatly, and our hope is to be able to provide families with the resources they need during a stressful time. SLUCare Physician Group surgeons at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital are here to support you every step of the way and can help you navigate your child's care. Call us today at 314-268-4010 to schedule an appointment or to request a second opinion.