What Causes Liver Failure in Children?

English

What are the syndromes from birth that can cause liver failure in children ?

Liver failure in children can be caused by various syndromes and conditions. Some of the syndromes and conditions that can lead to liver failure from birth or early infancy include:

Biliary Atresia: This is a rare condition in which the bile ducts outside and inside the liver are blocked or absent, leading to a buildup of bile within the liver, causing damage and eventually liver failure.

Alagille Syndrome: This is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the liver. It is characterised by abnormalities in the bile ducts, which can result in cholestasis (reduction or stoppage of bile flow) and liver damage.

Neonatal Hemochromatosis: This is a severe and rapidly progressing liver disease that occurs in newborns and is characterised by excessive accumulation of iron in the liver and other organs.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: This is an inherited disorder that can lead to liver disease, particularly in children, due to the accumulation of abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in the liver cells.

Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSDs): Certain types of GSDs, such as GSD type IV (also known as Andersen disease) and GSD type I (also known as Von Gierke disease), can cause liver problems from birth due to the abnormal storage or breakdown of glycogen in the liver.

Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC): This is a group of rare genetic disorders that disrupt bile flow, leading to cholestasis and liver damage.

Tyrosinemia: This is a metabolic disorder that impairs the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances in the liver and causing liver damage.

Galactosemia: This is an inherited disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk, and can result in liver damage.

Cystic Fibrosis: While primarily known for its effects on the respiratory system, cystic fibrosis can also impact the liver and lead to liver disease in some cases.

These conditions are relatively rare, and liver failure in children can also result from other causes such as infections, metabolic disorders, or structural abnormalities. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions and preventing severe liver damage. If you suspect any issues with your baby’s liver or health, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.

( Know more about- What is Acute Liver Failure? )

What can the parents do if their child suffers from a liver related syndrome from birth ?

If a child is diagnosed with a liver-related syndrome from birth, it can be a challenging and overwhelming situation for the parents. Here are some important steps and considerations for parents to take if their child is affected by a liver-related syndrome:

1. Consult with Specialists: Seek immediate medical attention and follow up with paediatric specialists experienced in treating liver diseases. These may include paediatric hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and geneticists. These specialists can provide accurate diagnoses, develop a treatment plan, and offer ongoing management and support.

2. Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about your child’s specific liver-related syndrome. Understand the symptoms, potential complications, treatment options, and available resources. Knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and be an effective advocate for your child, in cases of liver failure in children.

3. Create a Supportive Environment: Providing a nurturing and supportive environment for your child is essential. Ensure they have a stable and comfortable home life, and surround them with love and care.

4. Adhere to Medical Recommendations: Follow the medical advice and treatment plan provided by the healthcare team diligently. This may include medications, dietary modifications, and regular medical checkups.

5. Seek Emotional Support: Coping with a child’s illness can be emotionally taxing. Don’t hesitate to seek emotional support from family, friends, or support groups. Counselling or therapy can also be beneficial for parents dealing with stress and anxiety.

6. Monitor Your Child’s Progress: Keep track of your child’s health, progress, and any changes in symptoms. Regularly communicate with the medical team and inform them of any concerns.

7. Nutrition and Feeding: In many liver-related syndromes, dietary modifications may be necessary. Follow the prescribed diet and feeding guidelines to support your child’s nutritional needs and prevent complications.

8. Address Complications Promptly: Some liver-related syndromes may be associated with potential complications. Stay vigilant and address any signs of complications promptly to prevent further deterioration.

9. Be Prepared for Transplantation: In some cases where there is liver failure in children, liver transplantation may be the only effective treatment option. If your child’s condition worsens despite other treatments, consult with the medical team about the possibility of a liver transplant.

10. Explore Support Organizations: Many support organizations and patient advocacy groups focus on specific liver-related syndromes. These groups can provide valuable resources, information, and a sense of community with other families facing similar challenges.

Every child’s situation is unique, and the approach to managing their liver-related syndrome will be tailored to their specific needs. Communicate openly with the medical team, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions if needed. Being proactive and well-informed can make a significant difference in your child’s care and quality of life.

( Know more about- What is Pediatric Liver Transplant? )

Can liver transplant be done in children having advanced liver damage?

Liver transplant can be performed if there is liver failure in children due to various liver-related syndromes, diseases, or conditions. Liver transplantation is considered the ultimate treatment option for end-stage liver disease or liver failure, when other medical interventions have not been successful or are not feasible.

Children who may need a liver transplant often have conditions such as biliary atresia, metabolic liver diseases, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), and other severe liver disorders that have led to significant liver damage or failure.

However, the decision to proceed with a liver transplant in a child with advanced liver damage is made after a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical team, including paediatric hepatologists, transplant surgeons, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. The child’s overall health, the severity of liver disease, potential benefits of transplantation, and the availability of a suitable donor organ are some of the factors considered during this evaluation.

If the child is deemed a suitable candidate for liver transplantation, they will be placed on a waiting list for a compatible donor liver. The waiting time for a suitable liver can vary depending on the child’s blood type, size, and severity of illness.

During the waiting period, the child will continue to receive medical care and support to manage their liver condition. In some cases, a living donor liver transplant may be an option, where a portion of a healthy liver from a living donor, often a parent or close relative, is transplanted into the child.

Liver transplantation is a complex procedure and post-transplant care is also crucial for the child’s successful recovery. After the transplant, the child will require lifelong medical management, including immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection and regular follow-up with the medical team to monitor their health and adjust medications as needed.

The outcomes of liver transplantation in children have improved significantly over the years, and many children go on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives after receiving a new liver. However, it is a major surgery and not without risks, so the decision to proceed with a liver transplant should be carefully considered in collaboration with the medical team and the child’s family. 

There are many hospitals in India where liver transplant surgery is done with great success, both in adults and in cases of liver failure in children. You may contact the best liver and hepatobiliary surgeons, paediatric liver transplant surgeons, to know more liver failure in children, the procedure of paediatric liver transplant, cost of paediatric liver transplant surgery in India, tests needed, pre- and post-surgery steps to follow, post-surgery medications and follow up visits, and other related questions.