Infant Liver Problem?

Question

Hey, my neighbor's 2-month-old son is in the hospital. He had his checkup on Tuesday, and they found that instead of gaining 3 lbs (like he should've), he had only gained 2 ounces. They said that something is wrong with his liver. Does anyone here have a clue what he might have? I'd just like to know for my own personal knowledge. Thanks

they're still not sure what's wrong. All they know is there's something wrong with his liver

Answer 1

When newborns try to process food, they often have problems metabolizing it completely due to the immaturity of the liver. Bilirubin is not broken down quickly enough by the liver and will start to accumulate in the blood stream. Babies will get jaundiced (yellow) skin and will start to become lethargic and stop eating. Treatment usually consists of phototherapy (special lights that help metabolize the bilirubin through a different method) and possibly switching the baby off breast feeding to formula for a short time. If the treatments are done properly, the baby will be totally fine within a few days. If the situation is ignored and the child continues to have elevated bilirubin levels for several months, then long-term problems like learning problems will occur.
Usually the liver will mature within the first week or two and then the baby can resume a normal diet.

Answer 2

It could be anything if the baby was premature his liver might not be processing the babys nourishment like it should. There could be a clot or something not wired right. You should just ask them what it is then you can look it up one of the many medical sites like mayoclinic or webmd.

Answer 3

Is he Yellow looking? It could be jaundice.

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/common/jaundice.html

Answer 4

well go to webmd or just ask the people maybe u can be some help to them