Pediatric liver disease

Abstract

Pediatric hepatology is no different than any other pediatric speciality. The prime objective is either to cure disease or to minimize its impact on the child. The result will be that children with chronic liver disease will become adults with chronic liver disease, and the long-term follow-up of pediatric liver disease will pass out of the hands of pediatricians. For this to happen effectively, continuous reappraisal of outcome data will be required to optimize treatment at all stages. It will also become important for physicians in adult practice to follow the progress being made in the management of pediatric liver disease.