The liver is the largest organ in the human body. It helps protect the body against infection by filtering toxins from the blood. If an infant's liver is unable to function normally, he can be diagnosed with a condition called liver failure. Infant liver failure symptoms can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention.
Jaundice
In healthy infants, the liver filters a yellow-colored waste product called bilirubin from the body. Liver failure causes the accumulation of bilirubin within an infant's body, according to the Biliary Atresia Research Consortium. High blood levels of bilirubin can cause yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes, a liver failure symptom referred to as jaundice. Left untreated, jaundice can lead to cognitive and neurological development problems in infants.
Dark Urine
An infant with liver failure has high levels of bilirubin in her body. The kidneys attempt to remove this waste product by increasing urine production. Excess levels of bilirubin within the urine can cause this body fluid to appear unusually dark yellow or amber in color, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you observe unusually dark urine while changing your infant's diaper, consult a physician for further care.
Pale, Foul-smelling Stools
When the liver is unable to function normally, bilirubin can't flow into the intestines. Consequently, infants with liver failure can excrete unusually pale or clay-colored stools. The liver is also responsible for producing a digestive enzyme called bile. Without bile, the intestinal tract has a difficult time digesting food products that contain fat. Poor fat digestion and absorption due to liver failure can cause infants to produce fatty or foul-smelling stools, according to MedlinePlus.
Weight Loss or Irritability
Weight loss or poor weight gain can occur as a symptom of liver failure in affected infants, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Infants with this condition may also be uninterested in feeding, which can exacerbate weight loss symptoms. Affected infants can appear unusually cranky, fussy or irritable due to liver failure. An infant may consistently cry for no apparent reason. If you have an infant who isn't interested in eating or can't be consoled, take her to a physician for further evaluation and care.
Abdominal Distention
Liver failure can cause spleen enlargement in certain infants. A swollen spleen can cause an infant's abdomen to appear puffy or distended, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Abdominal bloating can be uncomfortable and can exacerbate irritability symptoms in infants with liver failure.
References
- Biliary Atresia Research Consortium: Frequently Asked Questions about Biliary Atresia and Cholestasis
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: Biliary Atresia
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Biliary Atresia
- MedlinePlus: Biliary Atresia
- Children's Hospital Boston: My Child Has...Biliary Atresia
