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Medyńska-Przęczek A, Stochel-Gaudyn A, Wędrychowicz A. Liver fibrosis assessment in pediatric population - can ultrasound elastography be an alternative method to liver biopsy? A systematic review. Adv Med Sci 2024; 69:8-20. [PMID: 38198895 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.12.001] [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] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases of various etiologies are becoming increasingly common in the pediatric population. So far, the gold diagnostic standard in these disorders is liver biopsy. This procedure is invasive, painful and requires general anesthesia in this group of patients. Due to the continuous development of new research techniques, such as liver elastography, it is necessary to evaluate them in the context of their diagnostic usefulness. Ultrasound elastography, as a quick and effective method, is being used more and more often in the assessment and monitoring of liver dysfunction in both adults and children. There are several techniques of liver elastography, such as transient elastography, shear wave elastography consisting of various subtypes such as two-dimensional shear wave elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse and point shear wave elastography, which differ in terms of the measurement technique and the achieved results. The purpose of our review was to determine whether techniques of liver elastography could replace liver biopsy. Although now, based on the analyzed papers, elastography cannot replace liver biopsy, in our opinion, the role of this tool in monitoring pediatric patients with liver diseases will grow in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Medyńska-Przęczek
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, 31-530, Poland.
| | - Anna Stochel-Gaudyn
- Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Pediatric Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, 30-663, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wędrychowicz
- Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Pediatric Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, 30-663, Poland
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Winther CL, Nyrann S, Gaardskaer Nielsen R, Duno M, Johansen KB, Helt TW, Brix Christensen V. Danish children with ZZ-homozygous alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are more affected on liver parameters than children with heterozygosity. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:580-589. [PMID: 38009616 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM The longitudinal health status of Danish children with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency had never previously been characterised. This study aimed to assess the changes in growth, lung and liver function through childhood in these children. METHODS Danish children diagnosed between 2005 and 2020 with pathogenic variants in the Serpin family A member 1 gene were included. Retrospective data on growth, lung and liver parameters were obtained from local databases. Anthropometric Z-scores and composite liver scores were computed. Growth and blood results were analysed using robust linear mixed models. RESULTS The study included 184 children (68 with ZZ-homozygosity, 116 with heterozygosity). The median follow-up time was 7 years [IQR 3.75-9.00] for children with ZZ-homozygosity and 0.5 years [IQR 0.0-2.0] for children with heterozygosity. Both groups had low weight-for-height Z-scores at diagnosis but experienced catch-up growth during the first year of life. In addition, children with ZZ-homozygosity had higher serum concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase throughout childhood, when compared with children with heterozygosity. Data proved insufficient to assess lung function properly. CONCLUSION Children with ZZ-homozygosity were more affected on serum liver parameters throughout childhood when compared with children with heterozygosity. Both groups experienced catch-up growth during the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofie Nyrann
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten Duno
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Han H, Chen Y, Zhang S, Ji X, Zhu M, Ma W, Ge H, Chu H. Association between serum ferritin and liver stiffness in adults aged ≥20 years: A cross-sectional study based on NHANES. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34838. [PMID: 37657022 PMCID: PMC10476712 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of serum ferritin has been demonstrated in many liver diseases, but its relationship with liver stiffness remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between serum ferritin levels and participants' liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the United States population. We conducted a screening of participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017.1 to 2020.3 to ensure that participants included in this study had complete serum ferritin and LSM information. Association between the independent variable (serum ferritin) and the dependent variable (LSM) was investigated by multiple linear regression and subgroup analysis was performed to identify sensitive individuals, and we subsequently assessed whether there was a non-linear relationship between the 2 using smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect models. The final 7143 participants were included in this study. There was a positive association between participants' serum ferritin concentration and LSM, with an effect value of (β = 0.0007, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0002-0.0011) in the all-adjusted model. The smoothing curve and threshold effect models indicated a non-linear positive correlation between serum ferritin and LSM, which was more pronounced when serum ferritin concentration exceeded 440 ng/mL. Subsequent subgroup analysis showed that this positive correlation was more pronounced in males (β = 0.0007, 95% CI: 0.0001-0.0012), age >60 years (β = 0.00015, 95% CI: 0.0007-0.0023), black participants (β = 0.00018, 95% CI: 0.0009-0.0026), and participants with body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 (β = 0.00012, 95% CI: 0.0005-0.0020). In U.S. adults, there was a positive correlation between serum ferritin levels and liver stiffness, which was more pronounced when serum ferritin exceeded 440 ng/mL. Our study suggested that regular serum ferritin testing would be beneficial in monitoring changes in liver stiffness. Male, age >60 years, black participants, and those with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 should be of greater consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Han
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of General Practice, Wuhu City Second People`s Hospital, Wuhu City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Ji
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanyu Ma
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongfeng Ge
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hailiang Chu
- Department of Hematology, Bozhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Bozhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
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Močnik M, Marčun Varda N. Ultrasound Elastography in Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1296. [PMID: 37628295 PMCID: PMC10453784 DOI: 10.3390/children10081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound elastography is a novel ultrasound technique, being extensively researched in children in the last decade. It measures tissue elasticity with the observation of tissue response after an external stimulus. From research to clinical practice, ultrasound elastography has evolved significantly in liver fibrosis evaluation in children; however, several other applications of the technique are available in both clinical practice and research environments. Practically, in children any organ can be assessed, including the brain in early ages, along with muscle and connective tissue elasticity evaluation, spleen, kidney, skin, lymphatic tissue, etc. The elastography method, age, body mass index and technical points should be considered when performing ultrasound elastography. This review highlights its vast potential as a diagnostic tool in the pediatric population, where ultrasound is a dominant imaging tool; however, the indications and exam protocol for its clinical use in several fields in pediatrics have yet to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Močnik
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Nataša Marčun Varda
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Guo HY, Liao M, Zheng J, Huang ZP, Xie SD. Two-dimensional shear wave elastography utilized in patients with ascites: a more reliable method than transient elastography for noninvasively detecting the liver stiffness-an original study with 170 patients. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:80. [PMID: 36819487 PMCID: PMC9929815 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Two dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is an ultrasound elastography technique based on shear waves implemented on a diagnostic ultrasound system. Transient elastography (TE) uses an ultrasound displacement M-mode and A-mode image produced by the system. So, TE mechanically induced impulse at tissue surface and difficultly across water. This paper compared the reliability and reproducibility of 2D-SWE with that of TE in patients with chronic hepatic disease. Comparisons were made in terms of the success rate, reliability, reproducibility, operation time, and influence of operator experience. Methods A total of 170 patients were included in this study. Participants underwent 2D-SWE and TE performed by 2 different operators (a novice and veteran) on the same day. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the technical success rate and reliable measurement rate, and inter-operator reproducibility was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results The 2D-SWE technique showed a higher technical success rate than TE. Either 2D-SWE or TE can be utilized in patients with ascites lamella of less than 10 mm or ascites lamella plus skin-capsular distance of less than 25 mm. However, although the reliability rate of liver stiffness measurement with 2D-SWE did not significantly differ between the novice and veteran operators, for TE, there was a significant difference when body mass index (BMI) ≤25 kg/m2. When performed by the novice and veteran operators, 2D-SWE and TE both showed excellent inter-operator agreement, with ICCs of 0.968 and 0.973, respectively. Both 2D-SWE and TE displayed reliable measurement and excellent reproducibility in patients with chronic liver disease, were minimally influenced by operator experience. Conclusions 2D-SWE may be a more reliable method for clinical application in noninvasive detecting the liver stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yi Guo
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Liao
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Ultrasound Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital School of Medicine the Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen and Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ze-Ping Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Si-Dong Xie
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Chen S, Yin T, Li L, Diao M, Huang T. Development and validation of non-invasive models in predicting advanced fibrosis of choledochal cyst. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:87. [PMID: 36682006 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05373-6] [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] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with choledochal cyst (CDC) develop liver fibrosis, especially advanced fibrosis without prompt surgery. This study validated the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and constructed a model for predicting advanced fibrosis in pediatric CDCs. METHODS Between January 2020 and March 2022, 330 CDCs (advanced fibrosis: 34, Ludwig staging 3-4; non-advanced fibrosis: 296, Ludwig staging 0-2) were reviewed. APRI and FIB-4 were validated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to assess discrimination. Relevant variables were analyzed by backward stepwise logistic regression. Enhanced bootstrap method was used for internal verification with 1000 samples. RESULTS The AUROCs of APRI and FIB-4 were 0.761 (0.673-0.850) and 0.561 (0.455-0.667). AST to prealbumin ratio (APAR), was constructed with an AUROC of 0.776 (0.693-0.860). The AUROCs of APAR + APRI and APAR + FIB-4 were 0.791 (0.713-0.869) and 0.782 (0.699-0.865). No significant differences were noted in the AUROCs of the indices or their combinations. APAR and APRI could be used together to reduce missed diagnosis rate. The risk of advanced fibrosis varied from different APAR and APRI scores. CONCLUSION Both APAR and APRI were indispensable to identify CDC patients at high risk of advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyun Chen
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Long Li
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China. .,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Mei Diao
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China.
| | - Ting Huang
- Children's Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
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ElShahawy A, El-Raziky MS, Sharaf SA, Elsharkawy A, Enayet A, Taher H. Accuracy of noninvasive methods for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in children with chronic viral hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:508. [PMID: 36494622 PMCID: PMC9733352 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver biopsy is the reference standard for assessing liver fibrosis. Moreover, it is an invasive procedure. Transient elastography (TE) is an accurate, noninvasive method for evaluating liver stiffness as a surrogate of liver fibrosis. The aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and Hyaluronic acid (HA) are noninvasive alternatives to liver biopsy for detecting hepatic fibrosis. This study aimed to identify the accuracy of APRI, HA, and TE concerning liver biopsy in children with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 50 children, 5-18 years with chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) who underwent liver biopsy within nine months of laboratory tests, determining APRI & performing TE. Twenty healthy children of age and sex-matching patients were included as a control group for the serum HA levels. RESULTS The histopathological findings of the studied cases showed seven cases with (F0) fibrosis, 36 cases with mild (F1,2), two children with moderate (F3,4), and five children with severe (F5,6). The median (IQR) of steatosis was 4 (three had HCV). When correlating TE, APRI, and HA values in all cases with their laboratory data, there was a positive correlation between ALT and APRI values (P-value = 0.000), a positive correlation between AST and HA values (P-value = 0.02), and a negative correlation between stiffness and APRI. The sensitivity of HA, APRI, and TE compared to fibrosis detected by histopathology was 60.5, 65.1, and 60.5%, and their specificity was 71.4, 57.1, and 85.7%, respectively. TE was significantly higher in a group with (moderate to severe) fibrosis. CONCLUSION APRI, HA, and TE are good indicators of the presence of fibrosis almost with the same accuracy. TE is the only method to differentiate mild cases from those with significant fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A ElShahawy
- Pediatrics in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Institiute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - MS El-Raziky
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Pediatrics and Pediatric Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
| | - SA Sharaf
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
| | - A Elsharkawy
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Endemic Medicine and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
| | - A Enayet
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Pediatrics and Pediatric Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt ,grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Department of Pediatrics, Kasr Alainy Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
| | - H Taher
- grid.7776.10000 0004 0639 9286Pediatrics and Pediatric Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza City, Egypt
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