Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-1206
Plano
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Pediatric cirrhosis (cir·rho·sis) occurs when liver disease has damaged the cells in the liver and caused scar tissue to form.
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-1206
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
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.
Causes of cirrhosis in children can include:
A hereditary condition that can lead to lung and liver disease
Inflammation of the liver caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the liver
Affects the tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine during the normal course of digestion
An inherited genetic condition that affects mucus production, leading to lung infections and breathing difficulties.
Including methotrexate (medication used to treat cancer), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and high levels of vitamin A
A group of conditions that affect the liver of a person without a history of alcoholism
A condition in which a child’s body is unable to process or store the energy found in foods
A viral infection that affects the liver and causes both acute (short-term) and chronic (ongoing) complications
A viral infection that leads to inflammation of the liver and other related complications
A genetic condition that causes problems breaking down a specific amino acid – called tyrosine – that is found in most sources of protein
A hereditary condition in which excessive amounts of copper accumulates in a child’s organs