Investigation of paediatric liver disease

Abstract

The investigation of children with liver disease falls into two categories: the investigation of the cholestatic baby and the investigation of the older child (over 2 years) with hepatomegaly. The approach to investigation is directed by the clinical features and employs many different investigational methods including biochemistry, haematology, radiology, electrophysiology and histology. As the clinical presentation of many diseases is similar, it is appropriate to perform a variety of first-line tests, proceeding to more complex investigations only as indicated.