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Published on: June 18, 2020
Safety of percutaneous liver biopsy in infants less than three months old
R K Azzam1, E M Alonso, K M Emerick
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA.
Insights
Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) in infants under 3 months showed an 18% complication rate, with sedation-related issues being most common. Careful monitoring is crucial for this pediatric procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Interventional Radiology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Data on PLB safety and outcomes in young infants is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, outcomes, and complications of PLB in infants aged 0 to 3 months.
- To identify risk factors associated with PLB complications in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records for infants under 3 months who underwent PLB.
- Analysis of complications and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- Sixty-six PLBs were performed in 63 infants.
- An overall complication rate of 18% was observed.
- Sedation-related respiratory issues were the most frequent complications (7/12).
Conclusions:
- PLB in young infants carries a higher risk of complications compared to older children.
- Complications are particularly related to sedation management in this population.
Objectives:
To evaluate the safety, outcomes, and complications of percutaneous liver biopsies (PLB) in infants aged 0 to 3 months.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all infants less than 3 months old who underwent PLB at Children's Memorial Hospital between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2004 for complications surrounding the procedure and risk factors that might lead to complications.
Results:
Sixty-six PLBs were performed in 63 infants. Most patients tolerated the procedure without complications. Twelve complications were recorded, for an overall complication rate of 18%. Of these, five were directly related to the procedure, and seven were sedation related. Three patients experienced a drop in hemoglobin greater than 2 gm/dL, one patient developed a bile leak, and one developed a skin hematoma. Seven patients had respiratory difficulty related to sedation, which manifested as increased work of breathing or decreased respiratory rate with depression in pulse oximetry.
Conclusion:
We conclude that PLB in young infants is associated with a somewhat higher risk of complications than in older children, particularly complications related to sedation.
