Understanding Liver Disease in Children
If your child has jaundice and liver blood test abnormalities, they may need comprehensive evaluation and specialised care.
Jaundice & Blood Test Abnormalities
If your child has jaundice and liver blood test abnormalities, they may need other investigations such as further blood tests or an ultrasound.
Viral Infections
Liver test abnormalities are most often related to viral infections but there are other numerous causes that may require more invasive investigations.
Specialised Evaluation
The need for further testing and potential causes will be discussed by your specialist, including the possibility of a liver biopsy.
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin/eyes
Blood Tests
Liver function tests
Diagnostic Process
A comprehensive approach to diagnosing liver conditions in children, starting with basic tests and progressing to more specialised investigations.
Initial Blood Tests
Liver function tests to assess enzyme levels and identify abnormalities in liver function.
Further Blood Tests
Additional specialised blood tests to investigate specific causes and rule out various conditions.
Ultrasound
Imaging study to visualize the liver structure and identify any abnormalities or changes.
Common Causes
Understanding the various causes of liver disease in children helps guide appropriate treatment.
Viral Infections
Most common cause of liver test abnormalities, including hepatitis viruses.
Genetic Conditions
Inherited liver disorders that may affect children from birth or early childhood.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions where the body's immune system attacks the liver tissue.
Metabolic Disorders
Disorders affecting how the body processes and stores nutrients, affecting liver function.
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of liver disease in children is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy, often affecting daily activities.
Abdominal Pain
Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen where the liver is located.
Poor Appetite
Reduced interest in eating and potential weight loss.
Nausea
Feeling sick or queasy, particularly after eating certain foods.
Dark Urine
Urine that appears darker than normal due to elevated bilirubin levels.
Warning Signs of Liver Disease in Children
Seek specialist evaluation promptly if your child has:
- ✓Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) beyond the newborn period
- ✓Persistently elevated liver blood tests
- ✓Abdominal swelling or a palpable liver/spleen
- ✓Fatigue or reduced energy out of proportion to illness
- ✓Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding
- ✓Dark urine and pale stools
- ✓Unexplained itching (pruritus)
- ✓Family history of liver disease
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- →Detailed symptom, family and medication history
- →Physical examination including abdominal assessment
- →Review of existing blood tests and imaging
- →Targeted additional blood tests to identify the cause
- →Liver ultrasound referral if not already done
- →Explanation of diagnosis and management options
- →Referral to liver transplant team if required for complex cases
Referral & Medicare: A current GP or paediatrician referral is required for Medicare rebates. Bring your referral letter, Medicare card, and any recent blood test or imaging results.