DM in Pediatric Hepatology

Children in India constitute nearly 45% of population. Hepatobiliary disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Indian infants and children. Such patients need s pecialized diagnostic skills, laboratory evaluation and management. These disorders have genetic, familial, metabolic, infective, neoplastic and immune-mediated origin. Subgroups of these cases have intra-uterine origin that has intimate relationship with intra-uterine events cum manifestations in the mother. Liver disorders in infants and children are entirely different from adults as the spectrum, manifestations and outcome are different. Moreover, there is a specialized need of nutritional intervention for treatment and for sustenance of growing and developmental requirements inherent as a potential in children. Therefore Pediatric Hepatology assumes importance as a dedicated specialty to generate skilled manpower to widen application for betterment of child care in India. Some of the important highlights are: