Liver cirrhosis in children: Symptoms, causes & treatment

What is liver cirrhosis in children?

Cirrhosis means long-term scarring of the liver. In children, this usually develops after repeated liver cell injury or inflammation. Over time, the liver becomes harder, smaller, and less able to perform its functions. The liver helps the body in many ways, such as removing toxins, aiding digestion, and supporting healthy development. Cirrhosis is not a fast process. It builds up slowly and may take months or years before the signs become noticeable. Many children show mild symptoms at first, so parents may not realize the problem until the disease becomes more advanced.

Common symptoms of pediatric liver cirrhosis ?

Liver cirrhosis is a very dangerous liver disease. Normally, its symptoms may vary from one child to another. Sometimes it shows very noticeable signs, while others may have only mild changes in the early stages. We have mentioned here the common symptoms of liver cirrhosis in children:

• Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin) One of the most common signs. It happens when the liver cannot process bilirubin properly.
• Swollen abdomen (ascites) Fluid collects inside the abdomen, making the stomach look bigger or tight.
• Poor appetite and weight loss Children may refuse food, feel full quickly, or gain weight very slowly.
• Vomiting or nausea Digestive discomfort becomes common as the liver struggles to work properly.
• Extreme tiredness Children may feel weak, sleepy, or less active than usual.
• Itchy skin Toxin buildup in the body can cause continuous itching.
• Enlarged liver or spleen A doctor may notice this during a physical exam.
• Easy bruising or bleeding The liver helps blood clotting. When it fails, bruises appear more often.
• Slow growth and delayed development Poor nutrition and certain hormone issues can slow down normal growth, which can affect height and weight.

7 Causes of liver cirrhosis in children

Cirrhosis can occur due to various reasons. Different types of physical disease and genetic disorders, and viral infections. Detecting the exact cause is important for providing the right treatment plan. We have outlined some crucial causes of liver cirrhosis in children:

• Biliary atresia A major cause in newborns. The bile ducts are blocked or missing, leading to liver damage.
• Genetic or metabolic disorders Some rare inherited problems, such as Wilson’s disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or certain glycogen storage disorders, may also disturb normal liver activity.
• Chronic viral hepatitis Hepatitis B or C infections can slowly damage the liver.
• Autoimmune hepatitis The child’s own immune system attacks liver cells.
• Fatty liver disease Increasing among school-aged children due to obesity and poor diet.
• Long-term use of certain medications Certain drugs can affect the liver if someone takes them for a long period.
• Other congenital liver diseases Structural or functional abnormalities present at birth.

How is cirrhosis diagnosed in children

Diagnosing liver cirrhosis is very crucial for effective treatment and saving lives. Our expert pediatric hepatologist diagnoses liver cirrhosis through complete physical examination, blood tests, and other advanced testing processes. The common diagnosis process is outlined here:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests to check liver enzymes, clotting ability, and bilirubin
• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• CT scan or MRI in selected cases
• Fibroscan to measure liver stiffness
• Liver biopsy when needed for a clear diagnosis

Treatment options for liver cirrhosis

If any child is diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, it cannot always be fully reversed. But early treatment can control symptoms, prevent further damage, and improve day-to-day life. We have mentioned here some possible treatment plans for liver cirrhosis patients.

• Treating the underlying cause If the child has biliary atresia, autoimmune hepatitis, or metabolic disease, specific treatments or surgery may be needed.
• Medicines to reduce symptoms Doctors may prescribe medicines to control jaundice, itching, fluid buildup, or infections.
• Nutritional support Proper nutrition helps growth. Many children need extra calories, vitamins, and minerals.
• Managing complications Fluid accumulation, infections, or bleeding need close monitoring and timely care.
• Regular follow-up Continuous monitoring helps detect early changes and adjust treatment.
• Liver transplant In advanced cases where the liver stops working properly, a liver transplant may be the best option. Many children recover well after a successful transplant.

When to see a pediatric liver specialist?

A child’s liver problems often appear slowly, and many symptoms look like common illnesses. If the signs keep coming back or seem unusual, it’s time to see a pediatric liver specialist. Early care helps protect the liver before the condition becomes serious.

• Yellow eyes or skin
• Sudden abdominal swelling
• Long-term vomiting
• Very slow growth
• Persistent fatigue
• Repeated infections
• Unexplained bruising

Get expert liver cirrhosis treatment of Prof. Dr. Salahuddin Mahmud

At Prof. Dr. Salahuddin Mahmud, children with liver cirrhosis receive care that focuses on early diagnosis, safe treatment, and long-term health support. Each child is checked carefully to find the exact cause of the liver damage, and the treatment plan is made based on their age, symptoms, and overall condition.