Related Experiment Videos
Hepatic dysfunction in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction
1Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi 110002, India.
Summary
Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) can cause hepatic dysfunction, including ascites and abnormal liver function tests, especially with prolonged portal hypertension. Further research is needed to determine if EHPVO leads to progressive liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) in children is typically considered benign.
- The development of hepatic dysfunction in EHPVO patients without gastrointestinal bleeding is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and extent of hepatic dysfunction in pediatric EHPVO patients.
- To assess the correlation between portal hypertension duration and hepatic dysfunction in EHPVO.
- To evaluate portal biliopathy in EHPVO patients.
Main Methods:
- Studied 43 pediatric EHPVO patients without recent bleeding, categorizing them into groups with (I) or without (II) ascites.
- Included matched cirrhotic patients with ascites (group III) as controls.
- Utilized clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, and histopathological assessments, including cholangiography for portal biliopathy.
Main Results:
- Nine EHPVO patients (21%) presented with ascites (group I).
- Group I patients exhibited significantly deranged ALT, albumin, and prothrombin time compared to group II.
- Prolonged portal hypertension and more severe portal biliopathy were observed in group I patients.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic dysfunction, including ascites and abnormal liver function, is a notable complication of EHPVO, particularly with extended portal hypertension.
- The findings suggest that prolonged portal vein thrombosis in EHPVO may contribute to progressive liver disease, warranting further investigation.