It is characterized by an attack on the liver by the body s own immune mechanisms. Progressive liver injury results, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. The cause of the disordered immune response is not known, and although it can be controlled with medical treatment, no cure is available. This disease results from an immunological attack on the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. Although this is usually a disease of adolescents and adults, it has been diagnosed in children as young as 6 months of age.
Bile ducts are scarred and narrowed, ultimately resulting in cirrhosis and liver failure.
Most patients with sclerosing cholangitis also have ulcerative colitis. Mayo Clinic has reported on one of the largest series of children with this disease, detailing the natural history and clinical feature unique to children. Pediatric Liver Transplantation Mayo Clinic has an active and successful pediatric liver transplantation program. Mayo s pediatric transplant team employs a team approach to care, which includes pediatric gastroenterologists and intensivists, transplant surgeons, nurse coordinators, social workers and nutritionists. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.