Pediatric end-stage liver disease

Pediatric end-stage liver disease (also known as PELD) is a severe liver disease that occurs in children. It is the final stage of chronic liver disease where the liver has lost all its functions. The only definitive treatment for PELD is liver transplantation.

Causes

PELD can be caused by a variety of conditions, including biliary atresia, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. In some cases, the cause of PELD is unknown.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PELD can vary widely and may include jaundice, ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. Children with PELD may also experience growth failure and developmental delays.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of PELD is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is often used to assess the severity of liver disease and prioritize patients for liver transplantation.

Treatment

The primary treatment for PELD is liver transplantation. Other treatments may include medications to manage symptoms and complications, nutritional support, and in some cases, surgical procedures to manage complications of liver disease.

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with PELD depends on a variety of factors, including the underlying cause of the disease, the child's overall health, and the availability of a suitable liver donor.

See also

• Liver disease
• Liver transplantation
• Chronic liver disease
• Biliary atresia
• Metabolic disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Viral infections