[Cirrhosis in children].
Chronic cholestasis, starting early in life, inborn errors of metabolism and chronic hepatitis are the main causes of cirrhosis in children. Precise identification of the cause is crucial because effective therapy is available for many of them. Close follow-up is necessary for all the child's life to prevent, detect and manage the complications and to decide on liver transplantation when no effective therapy is available. Results of liver transplantation in children with cirrhosis indicate that close to 80% of children will be alive 10 years after surgery. Liver transplantation must be carried out before signs of liver failure are present.