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Children's Liver Diseases

Liver disease is often seen as an adult problem but in reality thousands of children - from newborns to teens - suffer from various forms of liver disease.

While children may be diagnosed with virtually any form of liver disease, there are particular types that affect them the most. The major causes of these diseases are viral infections, genetics or blockages of the flow of bile from the liver. Jaundice - a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes - is often the first warning sign of liver problems. Many babies have 'newborn jaundice' lasting from three to five days after birth because the liver is not fully developed. This type of jaundice usually clears up by itself and is not an indication of liver disease. Any jaundice that does not clear up after 10 days however should be checked by a doctor. For information on the Canadian Liver Foundation's Jaundice Alert program, please click here.

The most common forms of childhood liver disease are listed below. If you do not find the type of liver disease that you are looking for, please click on adult liver diseases or call 1-800-563-5483 or email us as clf@liver.ca for more information. 

Alagille Syndrome
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
Biliary atresia
Choledochal cyst
Galactosemia
Neonatal hepatitis
Reye's Syndrome
Type 1 Glycogen Storage Disease
Wilson Disease
Tyrosinemia

To download our Children's Liver Disease brochure, please visit our Publications Library.