Liver Disease

Around 15,000 American children are hospitalized for liver disease every year, but early diagnosis can limit negative effects and help your child enjoy a healthy childhood. At the private pediatric gastroenterology practice of Israel Kochin M.D., children with liver disease can get the expert care they need to thrive. There are two offices in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York, so call the nearest office or book an appointment online today. 

What is liver disease in children?

Liver disease refers to any condition that damages or affects the function of your child’s liver. The liver has many crucial functions, particularly detoxification. All food that your child eats goes through the digestive process (the stomach and intestines), and then their blood absorbs nutrients from that food and goes to the liver for cleaning. 

When the liver doesn’t function properly, it has a direct impact on your child’s whole-body health. Liver disease can increase the risk of other serious health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, and it can threaten your child’s health as an adult.  

Because liver disease can be so serious, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your child’s future. 

What types of liver disease affect children?

Many liver diseases can affect children, including:

• Alagille syndrome
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Acute liver failure 
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Bile acid disorders
• Biliary disorders
• Cholestasis
• Choledochal cyst
• Cystic fibrosis liver disease
• Gallstones
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Hemochromatosis
• Liver failure
• Liver tumors 
• Metabolic liver disease
• Mitochondrial liver disorders
• Neonatal jaundice
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Portal hypertension
• Post-liver transplantation care
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Wilson’s disease

Some liver diseases may occur together, or one may lead to another. 

What are the symptoms of liver disease in children?

Liver disease may cause symptoms, such as:

• Yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Bruising easily
• Bleeding easily
• Swollen abdomen
• Severe itching
• Chronic fatigue

Extra weight can be a warning sign of the most common childhood liver disease, NAFLD.

How is liver disease treated?

Dr. Kochin has specialized training and experience in hepatology. He puts those skills to work as he diagnoses your child’s liver disease using advanced techniques like upper endoscopy, Doppler ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and liver biopsy. 

He then designs a treatment plan based on your child’s specific diagnosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, weight management, medication, and supplements. Treating liver disease now can reduce its impact on your child as an adult. In cases of acute or chronic liver failure, your child could need a liver transplant. 

Israel Kochin M.D. compassionately supports your family and helps your child cope with liver disease in the most effective manner. To get help for your child’s symptoms, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.