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Elevated Liver Enzymes in Children

The liver is the second-largest organ of the human body. It performs many functions essential for life. When cells of the liver are damaged, they release enzymes into the blood circulation. Physicians look for these elevated liver enzymes in the blood both to identify the extent of any liver damage and gain clues as to what caused it. Elevated liver enzymes in children may be caused by different diseases and conditions.

  1. The Liver

    • The liver is the chemical powerhouse of the body. It has the ability to clear the blood of almost any chemicals absorbed. However, in doing so, the liver may be damaged when the chemicals it is trying to clear are too concentrated or are the kind of chemicals it cannot deal with. Elevated concentrations of liver enzymes in the blood are a good indicator of liver damage.

    Liver Enzymes and Children

    • One enzyme generally measured for liver damage, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is elevated in children, compared with adults, not because of liver damage. ALP is an enzyme involved in bone development. So children, whose bones are developing, will have elevated ALP levels. However, as is the case with adults, normal ranges of ALP and other liver enzymes have been established for children.

    Jaundice

    • Jaundice is a condition in which the liver is unable to properly process bilirubin, a chemical produced during the recycling of red blood cells. It occurs when the liver is obstructed, infected with a virus, or otherwise unable to process bilirubin. Newborns with underdeveloped livers are unable to process bilirubin. Because bilirubin becomes water-soluble and thus excreted through the kidneys when exposed to light, newborns with jaundice are commonly placed under artificial lights.

    Viral Hepatitis

    • Hepatitis A is a food and waterborne infection of the liver that is common in under-developed countries. In the United States, children acquire hepatitis A from contaminated food or water during an outbreak and more likely in an institutional setting, like a hospital or group home. Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne infections of the liver that are common in the United States. Children usually acquire these infections from their mothers at childbirth, blood or blood product transfusions, or accidental exposures from contaminated sources. While there is no cure for all three viral infections, vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, and a treatment is available for hepatitis C.

    Chemical Intoxication

    • The liver tries to deal with chemicals as best as it can. However, there are some chemicals that damage it, elevating liver enzymes in the blood. Certain medications for pain, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen cause liver damage in children when the recommended dose is exceeded. Other medications, such as some antibiotics and some drugs to treat other conditions like cancer, may also cause liver damage in children. Liver intoxication treatment includes removing the medication and allowing time for the liver to heal.

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