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Kastenberg ZJ, Baertschiger RM, Cuenca AG, Galvan NTN, Lemoine CP, Roach JP, Walther AE, Dunn SP, Goss JA, Healey PJ, Karpelowsky J, Kim ES, Langham MR, Meyers RL, Superina RA, Tiao GM, Weldon CB, Bondoc AJ, Riehle KJ, Vasudevan SA. Critical elements of pediatric liver cancer surgery. Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151340. [PMID: 38008042 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The appropriate management of pediatric liver malignancies, primarily hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, requires an in depth understanding of contemporary preoperative risk stratification, experience with advanced hepatobiliary surgery, and a good relationship with one's local or regional liver transplant center. While chemotherapy regimens have become more effective, operative indications more well-defined, and overall survival improved, the complexity of liver surgery in small children provides ample opportunity for protocol violation, inadequate resection, and iatrogenic morbidity. These guidelines represent the distillation of contemporary literature and expert opinion as a means to provide a framework for preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making for the pediatric surgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Kastenberg
- University of Utah School of Medicine/Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | | | | | | | - Caroline P Lemoine
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Ashley E Walther
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Stephen P Dunn
- Nemours Children Hospital Delaware, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - John A Goss
- Texas Children's Hospital / Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | - Eugene S Kim
- Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Max R Langham
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Rebecka L Meyers
- University of Utah School of Medicine/Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Riccardo A Superina
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Greg M Tiao
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | - Alex J Bondoc
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | - Sanjeev A Vasudevan
- Texas Children's Hospital / Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Herrmann J, Petit P, Grabhorn E, Lenz A, Jürgens J, Franchi-Albella S. Liver cirrhosis in children - the role of imaging in the diagnostic pathway. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:714-726. [PMID: 36040526 PMCID: PMC10027649 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis in children is a rare disease with multifactorial causes that are distinct from those in adults. Underlying reasons include cholestatic, viral, autoimmune, hereditary, metabolic and cardiac disorders. Early detection of fibrosis is important as clinical stabilization or even reversal of fibrosis can be achieved in some disorders with adequate treatment. This article focuses on the longitudinal evaluation of children with chronic liver disease with noninvasive imaging tools, which play an important role in detecting cirrhosis, defining underlying causes, grading fibrosis and monitoring patients during follow-up. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality and it is used in a multiparametric fashion. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are usually applied second line for refined tissue characterization, clarification of nodular lesions and full delineation of abdominal vessels, including portosystemic communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Herrmann
- Section of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Philippe Petit
- Aix Marseille Université, Hopital Timone-Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - Enke Grabhorn
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Lenz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Jürgens
- Section of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stéphanie Franchi-Albella
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Hôpital Bicêtre, National Reference Centre for Rare Pediatric Liver Diseases, Paris, France
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Rare Inherited Cholestatic Disorders and Molecular Links to Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162570. [PMID: 36010647 PMCID: PMC9406938 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer affecting adults and the second most common primary liver cancer affecting children. Recent years have seen a significant increase in our understanding of the molecular changes associated with HCC. However, HCC is a complex disease, and its molecular pathogenesis, which likely varies by aetiology, remains to be fully elucidated. Interestingly, some inherited cholestatic disorders that manifest in childhood are associated with early HCC development. This review will thus explore how three genes that are associated with liver disease in childhood (ABCB11, TJP2 and VPS33B) might play a role in the initiation and progression of HCC. Specifically, chronic bile-induced damage (caused by ABCB11 changes), disruption of intercellular junction formation (caused by TJP2 changes) and loss of normal apical–basal cell polarity (caused by VPS33B changes) will be discussed as possible mechanisms for HCC development.
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Bebars GM, Sayed MA, Hamdy L, Abdel Aziz RA. Effect of acute and chronic liver diseases on the thyroid function in children. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:361. [PMID: 34433432 PMCID: PMC8386006 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones modulate hepatic function through regulation of basal metabolic rate in addition; the liver metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their endocrine effects. OBJECTIVES To assess thyroid functions in children with acute and chronic liver diseases. METHODS 85 studied children were divided into 4 groups; group 1 (20 children) with acute hepatitis (AH), group 2 (20 children) chronic liver disease1 (CLD1; relatively preserved liver functions including Child-Pugh stage A), group 3 (20 children) chronic liver disease2 (CLD2; includes Child-Pugh stage B or C), group 4 (25 children) controls. All groups were subjected to detailed history, physical examination, Complete blood count, liver, renal function tests, viral markers, and thyroid functions (FT3, FT4, TSH). RESULTS Free T3 levels were lower in children with AH, CLD1 and CLD2. There was significant increase in TSH serum levels in CLD2.In acute hepatitis a negative correlation between serum free T4 and AST (r = -0.991), positive correlation between serum TSH and AST, VLDL, and cholesterol levels (r= 0.503, 0.533 and 0.498). A positive correlation between free T3 levels and prothrombin concentration (r= 0.991). Negative correlations between free T3 levels and PT, serum bilirubin and LDL serum levels in children with CLD2 (r= -0.992) (r= -0.902) and (r= -0.946) CONCLUSION: Acute and chronic liver diseases affect thyroid function in children and is correlated with the disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihan M Bebars
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt
| | - Madeha A Sayed
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt
| | - Lamia Hamdy
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Reem A Abdel Aziz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61111, Egypt.
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Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation may be associated with hyperplastic hepatic nodular lesions in the long term: an analysis of 18 pediatric and young adult patients. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:1348-1357. [PMID: 33783576 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-021-05010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retrospective studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pediatric and adolescent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), but long-term outcomes warrant further investigation. OBJECTIVE To report on the development of hyperplastic hepatic nodular lesion development in children and young adults (<21 years) with TIPS patency >3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen children and young adults, including 10 (55.6%) females and 8 (44.4%) males, underwent TIPS creation with >3 years' patency and follow-up evaluation at a tertiary children's hospital. The mean age at the time of TIPS creation was 12.5±5.1 years (range: 1.5-20.0 years). The mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) at the time of TIPS creation was 8.1±1.6 (range: 6-11). Indications for TIPS creation included acute variceal bleeding (8/18, 44.4%), primary (1/18, 5.6%) or secondary (7/18, 38.9%) prevention of varices, portal vein thrombosis (1/18, 5.6%), and splenic sequestration (1/18, 5.6%). Technical successes, intra-procedural parameters, hemodynamic and clinical successes, TIPS patencies, adverse events, imaging evaluations, and follow-ups were recorded. RESULTS All (100%) TIPS placements were successful; however, a direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was created in one (5.6%) patient. Mean reduction of the portosystemic shunt gradient was 9.1±3.3 mmHg (range: 4-16 mmHg). Seventeen (94.4%) patients demonstrated clinical success with resolution of their initial clinical indication for TIPS placement. The 3-year TIPS primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patencies were 83.3% (15/18), 94.4% (17/18), and 100% (18/18), respectively. Two (11.1%) patients developed mild, medically controlled hepatic encephalopathy. One (5.6%) patient developed hepatopulmonary syndrome. Nine (50%) patients developed single or multiple hepatic nodules at a mean imaging surveillance time after TIPS of 4.4±3.0 years (range: 1.5-10.2 years). Six (33.3%) patients developed nodules >1 cm with imaging features most consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia or focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules. The mean follow-up duration was 5.7±2.9 years (range: 3.0-13.1 years). CONCLUSION Long-term (>3 years) portosystemic shunting via TIPS is associated with the development of hepatic nodular lesions in children. Consequently, children with TIPS may need gray-scale assessment of hepatic parenchyma as part of routine ultrasound exams and extended imaging surveillance until more is understood regarding the natural history of induced nodularity.
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Depauw L, De Weerdt G, Gys B, Demeulenaere S, Mebis W, Ysebaert D. Pediatric fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: case report and review of the literature. Acta Chir Belg 2021; 121:204-210. [PMID: 34082642 DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2019.1660060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 13-year-old boy presented with acute abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant without previous trauma. Abdominal ultrasound (US) revealed a mass in the right liver lobe with free intraperitoneal fluid, suggestive for hemoperitoneum. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a subcapsular lesion (5.7 × 4.6 × 4.1 cm), suggestive for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed mild to moderate fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity, with no other FDG avid lesions. Hepatic tumor markers were negative. CASE REPORT An elective right hepatectomy with cholecystectomy and hilar lymph node resection was performed. RESULTS Histology showed a central fibrous scar and confirmed a FL-HCC (pT1bN0M0). The resected lymph nodes were tumor-free. Treatment of FL-HCC should consist of complete tumor resection with concurrent lymph node resection +/- orthotopic liver transplantation. Long-term follow-up is advised. A follow-up interval of 3-4 months in the first 2 years after surgical resection can be justified as FL-HCC have a high recurrence rate of more than 50% within 10-33 months. CONCLUSIONS Malignancy can be a rare cause of abdominal pain in pediatric patients. An abdominal US is essential to prevent misdiagnosis. Treatment of FL-HCC should consist of R0 tumor resection with concurrent lymphadenectomy +/- orthotopic liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Depauw
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Glenn De Weerdt
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ben Gys
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sofie Demeulenaere
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wouter Mebis
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dirk Ysebaert
- Department of Hepatobiliairy Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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Aneja A, Scott E, Kohli R. Advances in management of end stage liver disease in children. Med J Armed Forces India 2021; 77:129-137. [PMID: 33867627 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
End stage liver disease (ESLD) is an irreversible condition that is a management challenge to the paediatrician. The aetiology and natural history of ESLD in children is not only distinct from adults but also variable depending upon the age of presentation. Children are especially vulnerable to developmental delay, frailty and malnutrition. Nutritional support is the cornerstone of management of these children as it has a significant impact on the clinical course and survival, both before and after transplantation. Further, the complications of ESLD in children including but not limited to, ascites, portal hypertension, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and encephalopathy raise unique management challenges. In this review we provide a concise review of and highlight recent advances in the management of paediatric ESLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Aneja
- Classified Specialist (Pediatrics) & Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi, India
| | - Elizabeth Scott
- Transplant Dietitian, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Head of Division, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Lucas B, Ravishankar S, Pateva I. Pediatric Primary Hepatic Tumors: Diagnostic Considerations. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:333. [PMID: 33670452 PMCID: PMC7922091 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the third most common site of abdominal tumors in children. This review article aims to summarize current evidence surrounding identification and diagnosis of primary hepatic tumors in the pediatric population based upon clinical presentation, epidemiology, and risk factors as well as classical imaging, histopathological, and molecular diagnostic findings. Readers will be able to recognize the features and distinguish between benign and malignant hepatic tumors within different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Lucas
- Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital—Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sanjita Ravishankar
- Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital—Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Irina Pateva
- Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital—Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Fang C, Anupindi SA, Back SJ, Franke D, Green TG, Harkanyi Z, Jüngert J, Kwon JK, Paltiel HJ, Squires JH, Zefov VN, McCarville MB. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of benign and malignant liver lesions in children. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:2181-2197. [PMID: 33978801 PMCID: PMC8566652 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-021-04976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is increasingly being used in children. One of the most common referrals for CEUS performance is characterization of indeterminate focal liver lesions and follow-up of known liver lesions. In this setting, CEUS is performed with intravenous administration of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). When injected into a vein, UCA microbubbles remain confined within the vascular network until they dissipate. Therefore, visualization of UCA within the tissues and lesions corresponds to true blood flow. CEUS enables continuous, real-time observation of the enhancement pattern of a focal liver lesion, allowing in most cases for a definite diagnosis and obviating the need for further cross-sectional imaging or other interventional procedures. The recent approval of Lumason (Bracco Diagnostics, Monroe Township, NJ) for pediatric liver CEUS applications has spurred the widespread use of CEUS. In this review article we describe the role of CEUS in pediatric liver applications, focusing on the examination technique and interpretation of main imaging findings of the most commonly encountered benign and malignant focal liver lesions. We also compare the diagnostic performance of CEUS with other imaging modalities for accurate characterization of focal liver lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - Sudha A. Anupindi
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Susan J. Back
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Doris Franke
- Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Zoltan Harkanyi
- Department of Radiology, Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jörg Jüngert
- Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen–Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jeannie K. Kwon
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Harriet J. Paltiel
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Judy H. Squires
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Vassil N. Zefov
- Department of Radiology, Dubai Health Authority, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, Dubai, UAE
| | - M. Beth McCarville
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN USA
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Hepatobiliary MRI Contrast Agents: Pattern Recognition Approach to Pediatric Focal Hepatic Lesions. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2020; 214:976-986. [DOI: 10.2214/ajr.19.22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Paediatric liver ultrasound: a pictorial essay. J Ultrasound 2019; 23:87-103. [PMID: 30778891 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0352-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound scan is a painless and radiation-free imaging modality and, therefore, it is widely considered the first-choice diagnostic tool in the setting of hepatopathies in paediatric patients. This article focuses on the normal ultrasound anatomy of the liver in neonatal and paediatric age and reviews the ultrasound appearance of the most common diffuse and focal liver affections.
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12
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Pediatric Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a Single Center Study from the South of Iran: Case Series. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.11837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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13
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Pinto RB, Schneider ACR, da Silveira TR. Cirrhosis in children and adolescents: An overview. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:392-405. [PMID: 25848466 PMCID: PMC4381165 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several conditions, especially chronic liver diseases, can lead to cirrhosis in children and adolescents. Most cases in clinical practice are caused by similar etiologies. In infants, cirrhosis is most often caused by biliary atresia and genetic-metabolic diseases, while in older children, it tends to result from autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The symptoms of cirrhosis in children and adolescents are similar to those of adults. However, in pediatric patients, the first sign of cirrhosis is often poor weight gain. The complications of pediatric cirrhosis are similar to those observed in adult patients, and include gastrointestinal bleeding caused by gastroesophageal varices, ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In pediatric patients, special attention should be paid to the nutritional alterations caused by cirrhosis, since children and adolescents have higher nutritional requirements for growth and development. Children and adolescents with chronic cholestasis are at risk for several nutritional deficiencies. Malnutrition can have severe consequences for both pre- and post-liver transplant patients. The treatment of cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension in children and adolescents is mostly based on methods developed for adults. The present article will review the diagnostic and differential diagnostic aspects of end-stage liver disease in children, as well as the major treatment options for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Borges Pinto
- Raquel Borges Pinto, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital da Criança Conceição, Porto Alegre 91340 480, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Reis Schneider
- Raquel Borges Pinto, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital da Criança Conceição, Porto Alegre 91340 480, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Themis Reverbel da Silveira
- Raquel Borges Pinto, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital da Criança Conceição, Porto Alegre 91340 480, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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