Pediatric Liver (Hepatology) Disease Center

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Pediatric Liver (Hepatology) Disease Center

Comprehensive treatment for pediatric liver disease, including the only pediatric liver transplant program in North Texas

When your child faces a new diagnosis or requires expert medical management for early or end-stage liver disease, you need the reassurances of experience, access to the latest technology and an actionable plan. The board-certified physicians at UT Southwestern practicing at Children's Health℠ collaborate with a full team of pediatric specialists to diagnose and treat everything from newborn jaundice to biliary atresia, and other complex liver conditions such as metabolic liver disease, end stage liver disease, and acute liver failure.

There are many gastroenterologists who manage liver disease, but we have invested in advanced training to provide a full spectrum of care, from disease management and resolution through liver transplant should it become necessary.

In rare cases in which a child requires a liver transplant, we offer the only pediatric liver transplant program in North Texas. As one of the busiest transplant centers in the nation, we are dedicated to patient- and family-centered care that produces outcomes ranking among the best in the nation.

Dallas

214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Ste B2300

Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)

Refer a Patient with Pediatric Liver Disease Center

Accepted Insurance Plans

Conditions We Treat

Abernethy of Portal Vein
Cystic Fibrosis Associated Liver Disease
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

Treatments and Services

Liver Transplant

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Liver Biopsy
Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC)
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Procedure

Meet your multidisciplinary team

Your care team includes hepatologists, gastroenterologists, hematologists, interventional radiologists, psychologists and dietitians, as well as hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons. Amal Aqul, M.D., and Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, M.D., are each board certified in hepatology, liver transplant and general gastroenterology.

The first and highest-ranked liver transplant program in North Texas

In the event that your child needs a liver transplant, you can rest assured your child is in the best possible hands. Our transplant program, led by UT Southwestern surgeons and physicians, was home to the first liver transplant in North Texas in 1984.

Striving for perfection

We are proud to report that the one-year pediatric liver transplant survival rate is 100% and three-year pediatric liver transplant survival is 100%. Our liver transplant program ranks #1 in the nation, tied with one other program, as reported by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for results ending in July 2019, and we are the only 5-star program in Texas for adults and pediatrics.

Successful outcomes begin with clinical knowledge and leading-edge technology

We have the latest tools such as magnetic resonance elastography to accurately diagnose the degree of fibrosis (scarring) in the liver so that our team can compassionately and expertly manage the disease progression for a complete cure -- or in rare cases of end-stage liver disease --liver transplant.

The Liver Program collaborates with highly skilled interventional radiologists to perform technically challenging procedure such as TIPS and PTC. Our world-class Therapeutic Endoscopy Program performs the region’s most sought-after hepatobiliary procedures, including ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound guided liver biopsy.

Contact the pediatric GI liver disease specialists at Children's Health.

Resources

Related Patient Stories

David’s Story: Life without limitations thanks to expert care

Exactly four people have told 15-year-old David that he should run for president.

Miloh enjoys an active childhood after a liver transplant

Megan had what most would consider a textbook pregnancy with her firstborn son, Miloh. Though he spent several hours in the NICU after delivery because of fluid in his lungs, he was soon back in the hospital room with his mom and went home just a few days later, happy and healthy.

Once a transplant patient at Children's Health, Monse now gives back as a nurse

Shortly after Monse was born, she started displaying symptoms that something was wrong with her liver. She was admitted to Children‘s Medical Center Dallas and diagnosed with biliary atresia, a serious condition which occurs when the bile ducts are blocked or don't function normally, causing bile to back up in the liver. Though biliary atresia can often be repaired through a surgical procedure known as the Kasai procedure, Monse's liver was so badly damaged that doctors determined a liver transplant was her only option. She was placed on the transplant list and remained in the hospital while her family awaited news of a donor.

Daniel lives life with purpose after a liver transplant

Daniel comes from a long line of athletes. His grandfather was a successful track and field athlete who represented Colombia at the national and international level. His mother was also a dedicated athlete who taught him the importance of making healthy choices and staying active from a young age. Throughout his childhood in Colombia, Daniel was surrounded by family members who supported his healthy lifestyle and pursuit to become one of the top BMX athletes in Colombia by the age of 13.

A liver transplant gives an infant a new chance at life

Despite being born five weeks early, Davis appeared to be a healthy and strong baby boy. But soon after going home, his parents, Anna and Frankie, noticed that Davis appeared to be showing signs of jaundice. When Davis stopped eating, the new parents brought their son to an emergency room in Fort Worth.

Born with biliary atresia, Cooper thrives under the care of liver experts at Children's Health

When Cooper was 2 weeks old, he began showing signs of jaundice, a common condition in which a newborn's skin appears yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in their blood. Typically, the condition improves as the baby's liver begins functioning as it should. However, when Cooper's symptoms persisted at his 2-month check-up, his pediatrician suggested they check his blood levels to determine the cause.

Hepatitis C clinical trial cures 6-year-old girl

Amy Ray loves toys, gymnastics, reading and coloring. The 6-year-old dreams big, takes care of her pets and enjoys adventures on her family's boat.

Meet the Care Team

Amal Aqul, MD Pediatric Hepatologist

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Sarah Barlow, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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Jorge Bezerra, MD Pediatric Hepatologist

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Sindhu Pandurangi, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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Charina Ramirez, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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Norberto Rodriguez-Baez, MD Pediatric Hepatologist

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Isabel Rojas Santamaria, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

1548307481
Meghana Sathe, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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To Nhu Nguyen, PA-C Physician Assistant - Gastroenterology

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Shabina Walji-Virani, APRN, PNP-PC Nurse Practitioner - Gastroenterology

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