Symptoms of Cholestasis in Children
If your child shows Symptoms of Cholestasis, you may wish to see your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the best treatment by measuring total bile acid serum. They will also look at your child’s development to ensure that he is not in danger. If he is, your healthcare provider may decide to deliver the baby early to reduce the risk to the baby. Depending on your child’s symptoms and test results, this may be done using a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.
Itching Symptoms of Cholestasis
One of the most common symptoms of cholestasis is itching. This symptom can be relieved with a few simple treatments, including ursodeoxycholic acid, which reduces bile levels in the blood. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used in pregnant women and children and can be started immediately. It’s effective in treating the condition in about three out of four women and is even effective in completely resolving itching in about 25% of affected women. However, while UDCA has been used to treat cholestasis during pregnancy, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. It can lead to complications for the mother, baby, and child, and a child with cholestasis may require close monitoring during the pregnancy.
Cholestasis during pregnancy is when the liver fails to process fats properly. The liver typically produces bile, a fluid that breaks down fats. When bile cannot correctly drain the gallbladder, it builds up and spills into the bloodstream. This causes intense itching, especially if the itching happens at night.
Yellowing of skin
Yellowing of the skin is a common symptom of cholestasis, a disorder that affects the liver. It can cause intense itching, especially on the hands and soles of the feet. Other symptoms may include pale feces, dark urine, and nausea. Treatment for cholestasis in a child may involve medication to lower bile levels and frequent pregnancy monitoring. If untreated, complications such as stillbirth and respiratory distress syndrome can develop. In severe cases, doctors may recommend a c-section before the child’s due date.
The underlying cause of cholestasis is the immaturity of the liver. However, it can also result from injuries to the liver or other causes, such as drugs. Although cholestasis can affect any age group, young children are particularly susceptible.
Yellowing of mucous membranes
Yellowing mucous membranes in infants is a vital sign of cholestasis and should prompt further evaluation and treatment. The most effective treatment for cholestatic infants is a Kasai hepatic portoenterostomy, usually performed before 30 to 45 days old. However, if this is not performed promptly, there is a risk of liver failure or liver damage.
Symptoms of cholestasis can include an abnormal mucous membrane and skin discoloration. This is due to low levels of oxygen in the blood. The disease can also lead to icterus, an early liver disease sign.
Bilirubin levels Symptoms of Cholestasis
Several risk factors can result in elevated bilirubin levels in children. Some of these include infections. Depending on the cause, these infections can be bacterial or viral. For example, a common infection that can lead to jaundice in children is herpes simplex. Another risk factor is galactosemia, a severe illness that can affect children. In addition, several genetic diseases can cause jaundice in children. However, most of these diseases are very rare. In addition, premature babies with abnormal liver development are at risk of jaundice.
Jaundice is a sign of high bilirubin levels in the blood. This occurs when the liver does not function well and too much bilirubin is released into the blood. A health care provider will order a blood test to measure bilirubin levels and other chemicals. The child will need to see a specialist if these levels are high.
Treatment Symptoms of Cholestasis
There are various treatment options for cholestasis in children, depending on the cause of the condition and the symptoms of the disorder. Generally, treatment focuses on preventing complications, relieving the symptoms, and lowering bile acids. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
The symptoms of cholestasis in children range from mild to severe. The common signs include slow growth, excessive itchiness, and splenomegaly. The symptoms can develop anytime during the first few weeks of life. The doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the symptoms. In rare cases, the condition can be caused by genetic defects or viruses. A small percentage of neonates develop idiopathic cholestasis without knowing the cause. However, specific gene mutations are associated with up to 25% of neonatal cholestasis cases.
