Updates in Pediatric Hepatology and Pancreatology

Abstract

Pediatric hepatopathies are particularly important as they can be precursors of adult liver diseases which represents the 12th most common cause of death globally. (Arya and Balistreri, J Gastroenterol Hepatol 17:521, 2002). Hepatobiliary diseases are still a relatively rare disorder in children however, the burden including the impact on global health, effects on morbidity, quality of life, and effects on health care expenditures cannot be understated. Pediatric hepatopathies are particularly important as they can be precursors of adult liver diseases. It is estimated that 29 million adults are affected by liver diseases, leading to 170,000 deaths annually which represents the 12th most common cause of death globally (Blachier et al., J Hepatol 58:593–608, 2013). Therefore, liver diseases are now considered a public health priority with a need for early screening and diagnosis to prevent the progression of liver damage. However, pediatric liver diseases are often under- or late diagnosed frequently due to absent or non-specific symptoms, especially in the early stages. Many advances have been made in the knowledge of liver disease pathogenesis leading to discoveries of novel emerging treatments. Furthermore, advances in surgical techniques and liver transplantation have allowed for greater possibilities in providing care for several hepatopathies.