Digestive Health Center

Pediatric Liver Center

At the Pediatric Liver Center, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care to children of all ages – from newborns to teenagers – with liver and bile duct disorders. Our goal is to help every child with liver problems live as happy and healthy a life as possible.

We employ both surgical and nonsurgical interventions, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce the risk of complications and allow for faster recovery. The Center also has specialized programs, such as our Liver Tumor and Hepatoblastoma Clinic and Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, which are nationally known for their excellent outcomes.

Our team of renowned specialists includes pediatric hepatologists (liver disease specialists) and surgeons, as well as diagnostic specialists who focus on liver disorders. Our combined expertise and leadership in cutting-edge research allow us to offer the most advanced and effective treatments for all types of liver disease.

We have multidisciplinary clinics, where we're able to focus on care for specific conditions, including:

  • Autoimmune liver disease
  • Choledochal cysts
  • Cholestatic diseases (biliary atresia, Alagille syndrome)
  • Fatty liver disease and obesity
  • Fontan-associated liver disease
  • Liver disease in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immunodeficiency
  • Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal hypertension

The continuum of care provided at our center can span a patient's entire youth, from infancy through adolescence. We also help prepare young people and parents for the transition to adult care and, once they're ready, facilitate their move to the UCSF Liver Disease and Transplant Clinic or other specialists for adults.

Conditions we specialize in

  • Acute liver failure

  • Alagille syndrome

  • Bile duct strictures

  • Biliary atresia

  • Choledochal cysts

  • Complications of liver transplant

  • Hepatitis (autoimmune, infectious)

  • Liver cysts

  • Liver tumors or masses

  • Metabolic/genetic liver disease

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

  • Portal hypertension

  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis

  • Varices with or without bleeding

Our locations (7)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    • Best in Northern California for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    Patient stories

    Children with biliary atresia thrive after transplants

    Two mothers became living donors for their babies, Sahej and Frankie, who were diagnosed with a life-threatening liver condition shortly after birth. Both are now thriving.

    Watch their stories on ABC7

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-division-of-pediatric-gi-hepatology-and-nutrition-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

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    Translation, please

    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

    Request an interpreter

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