Fifteen-minute consultation: liver disease in children.

Jake P Mann, Kathy Gallagher, Emer Fitzpatrick, Anil Dhawan

Journal: Archives of disease in childhood. Education and practice edition 2019;103(4):170-176

PMID: 29122831

Abstract

Liver disease in children can present in many ways from the frequently encountered prolonged neonatal jaundice to the comparatively rare acute liver failure. In this article, we will discuss 'red flags' of liver disease, the initial investigations required and when to refer to a specialist liver centre. Across all presentations, the degree of elevation of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase provides only little diagnostic information. Measurement of clotting is vital, and coagulopathy should be followed by a trial of intravenous vitamin K before being repeated.

© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Address: Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.; Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.; Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.; Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital London, London, UK.
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