Liver disease is not exclusive to adults—it is also common among children. In fact, certain liver conditions in children may require treatment through liver transplantation.
So, what are the liver diseases in children that may indicate the need for a liver transplant?
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Liver Diseases in Children That Indicate the Need for a Liver Transplant
These include biliary atresia, liver failure, and Alagille syndrome. Below are several liver conditions in children that commonly require liver transplantation:
1. Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is a condition in which a baby’s bile ducts are blocked, preventing bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestine. It is one of the most common reasons why infants and children need a liver transplant.
Bile is a substance produced by the liver that helps carry waste products into the intestine and aids in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.
Biliary atresia typically occurs within the first few months of life and can quickly lead to severe liver damage if left untreated.
2. Liver Failure
The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs—human life cannot be sustained without it. It performs hundreds of essential functions. When the liver can no longer carry out these functions properly, overall health deteriorates. This condition is known as liver failure.
Liver failure means the liver can no longer function well enough to meet the body’s needs. It can develop rapidly (acute liver failure) over days or weeks, or slowly (chronic liver failure) over months or years. Without a liver transplant, liver failure can be fatal.
3. Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can be categorized into two types: primary and secondary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer begins in another part of the body and spreads to the liver.
Doctors may recommend several treatment options for liver cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or liver resection.
In certain cases, liver transplantation may also be recommended. If successful, liver cancer can potentially be cured through transplantation.
4. Viral Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide and causes liver inflammation. It can be acute (short-term), with symptoms lasting for weeks or months, or chronic (long-term), where the condition does not resolve.
There are several types of viral hepatitis, but hepatitis B and C are the ones most likely to necessitate a liver transplant.
5. Alagille Syndrome
Alagille syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect the liver, heart, and other parts of the body. A key feature of this syndrome is liver damage caused by abnormalities in the bile ducts, which transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
In Alagille syndrome, the bile ducts may be narrowed, malformed, or fewer in number, causing bile to build up in the liver. This results in scarring that impairs the liver’s ability to remove waste from the bloodstream.
Liver transplantation is one possible treatment for Alagille syndrome, especially in cases involving decompensated cirrhosis, severe itching, and poor quality of life.
Pediatric Liver Transplant Specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is home to a pediatric surgery specialist who is well-known for expertise in pediatric liver transplants: dr. Sastiono, Sp.B Subsp.Ped(K).
In addition to liver transplantation, Dr. Sastiono is also experienced in other pediatric surgeries, including hernia repair and appendectomy.
Dr. Sastiono is a member of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Society of Surgeons. His areas of expertise include:
- Treatment of biliary atresia in infants (blocked bile ducts)
- Treatment of anal atresia (anorectal malformations)
- Pediatric hernia surgery
- Pediatric appendicitis treatment
- Management of intestinal obstruction in children
- Treatment of pediatric liver abnormalities
Dr. Sastiono is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (WIB)
If you would like to consult with liver disease specialists, don’t hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital.
To make your visit easier, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp feature, Book Appointment option, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store. These tools help with scheduling visits, viewing queue numbers, and accessing complete information.