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The prevalence and pattern of liver disease in infants and children in Hazara Division

M K Burki1, S A Orakzai

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad.

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|November 15, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disease in children in Pakistan's Hazara Division. This study identified viral hepatitis and enteric hepatitis as prevalent in children aged 6-8 years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Liver disease patterns vary globally due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
  • Geographical variations in pediatric liver disease necessitate localized studies.
  • This research focuses on the Hazara Division of Pakistan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological pattern of liver diseases in infants and children.
  • To identify the most common causes of liver disease in the pediatric population of Hazara Division.
  • To understand the age and sex distribution of various liver conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on 200 pediatric patients (inpatient and outpatient).
  • Data was collected from June 1998 to October 1999 at Ayub Teaching Hospital.
  • The study analyzed the spectrum of liver diseases in the studied cohort.

Main Results:

  • Viral hepatitis was the most frequent diagnosis (60%).
  • Enteric hepatitis (26%) and drug-induced liver injury (7.5%) were also significant findings.
  • Biliary atresia (5.0%) and Criglar-Najjar Syndrome (1.5%) were less common. Liver diseases were more prevalent in males, with specific age distributions for each condition.

Conclusions:

  • Viral hepatitis is a major cause of pediatric liver disease in the Hazara Division.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, especially for conditions like biliary atresia in infants.
  • Further research into environmental and etiological factors is warranted to inform public health strategies.
Abstract

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