title: A practical approach to the child with abnormal liver tests.
abstract: The presence of elevated aminotransferases on routine blood tests can reveal liver diseases of various severities. In children, etiologies are more numerous and complex than those usually considered in adults. Information derived from family and personal history, physical examination and basic laboratory data are necessary to reach a timely and correct diagnosis. A stepwise approach is proposed to guide the timing of more specific investigations that are often required.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Children's Hospital, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: thierry.lamireau@chu-bordeaux.fr.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lamireau
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit and Swiss Center for Liver Disease in Children, University Hospitals Geneva, 6, rue Willy Donze, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: McLin
authors.affiliation: Hepatometabolic Unit, Bambino Gesu' Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Valério
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nobili
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vajro
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000637:Transaminases