Pediatric Hepatology and Pancreatology

At Henry Ford Pediatrics, we understand that when your child has an issue with their liver or a related structure, it’s concerning. Our pediatric hepatologists (doctors who specialize in treating children with conditions of the liver and associated organs, including the gallbladder and biliary tree) and pancreatologists (treat the pancreas) are committed to delivering safe, compassionate care for your child. Our pediatric hepatology and pancreatology program is led by the Henry Ford Health Chair of Pediatrics, Uzma Shah, M.D., FAAP, FAASLD.

What types of pediatric hepatology and pancreatology conditions do you treat?

• Chronic liver disease: Including cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis and autoimmune disease
• Genetic and congenital conditions: Including cystic fibrosis, biliary atresia and choledochal cysts
• Hepatitis: Including infectious, immune and toxin-induced hepatitis, and hepatic masses
• Storage diseases: Including liver failure and mitochondrial hepatopathy
• Gallbladder conditions: Including gallstones
• Pancreatic conditions: Including acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors and cysts

What about neonatal hepatology conditions?

We are one of few pediatric gastroenterology programs offering special expertise in neonatal hepatology conditions that affect newborns, including jaundice, hepatitis and acute liver failure. Our multidisciplinary neonatal hepatology team features specialists in several areas, including pediatric hepatology, neonatology, pediatric nutrition, medical genetics and radiology.

What if my child needs a procedure?

When necessary, our pediatric hepatologists perform diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in children to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and related structures. This includes endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP—which combines a minimally invasive endoscopy procedure with X-rays, to better help visualize and treat the liver, pancreas and related ducts. Our department is committed to providing safe care for all patients.

Why choose Henry Ford for pediatric hepatology and pancreatology care?

• Access: We see new patients promptly, especially when there is an urgent concern. Ask your child’s provider for a referral to Henry Ford Pediatric Gastroenterology to ensure seamless care.
• Expertise: Your child receives care from expert, skilled pediatric hepatologists and pancreatologists who have advanced training in liver and pancreatic disease and related conditions. Trained registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, speech and language pathologists and social workers are also integral members of the team.
• Coordinated care: Our pediatric hepatology and pancreatology team works with other Henry Ford Health specialists for complex issues. Our multidisciplinary care team includes experts from other pediatric specialties, adult specialties, surgical teams, and radiology, pharmacy, specialized laboratory and supportive services. We focus on providing a seamless care experience so you can focus on being there for your child.
• The latest treatments: Our aim is to advance pediatric GI care through research, and liver and pancreatic disease is one of our current focus areas. We remain on the cutting edge of new knowledge and are actively involved with others across the state, nationally and internationally to improve care. Your child may be able to participate in research and access the latest care methods through our science and learning.
• Convenience: We offer complete care at our Royal Oak clinic. You’ll find pediatric specialists, testing facilities and procedure rooms, so your family can receive more services under one roof. We are expanding our pediatric GI services to additional clinics throughout the region. Inpatient admission services as well as endoscopic procedural services are available at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.