When liver disease has advanced and caused scar tissue to form, cirrhosis can result. The scar tissue blocks blood flow, which leads to waste products building up in the child’s body. Therefore, the liver cannot perform its normal functions.
Many people think of cirrhosis occurring due to a history of alcoholism. While this is sometimes a contributing factor in adults with cirrhosis, children can develop the condition for a variety of other reasons.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Cirrhosis?
Exposure to certain drugs and toxins — including methotrexate (medication used to treat cancer), rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis) and high levels of vitamin A
Fatty liver disease — group of conditions that affect the liver of a person without a history of alcoholism
Glycogen storage disease — condition in which a child’s body is unable to process or store the energy found in foods
Hepatitis B — viral infection that affects the liver and causes both acute (short-term) and chronic (ongoing) complications
Hepatitis C — viral infection that leads to inflammation of the liver and other related complications
Tyrosinemia — genetic condition that causes problems breaking down a specific amino acid – called tyrosine – that is found in most sources of protein
Wilson’s disease — hereditary condition in which excessive amounts of copper accumulates in a child’s organs