Caring for adults with pediatric liver disease

Abstract

The etiology of liver disease in childhood varies significantly from its etiology in the adult population. More children with complex diseases are surviving into adulthood, providing challenges to the primary care provider. Adults with pediatric liver disease differ in management, treatment, complications, and extrahepatic considerations. To provide these patients with an optimal transition into the adult health care system, the provider needs a comprehensive knowledge of the common causes of childhood liver disease and their implications and must understand the differences in caring for these patients. This review addresses some of the most common childhood liver diseases, their causes, presentation, evaluation, management, complications, and additional concerns.