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The significance of cutaneous spider naevi in children
S M Finn1, M Rowland, F Lawlor
1Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital, Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, and Department of Paediatrics, University College Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Spider naevi (lesions) are common in children, even those without liver disease. While more prevalent in children with liver conditions, large numbers of spider naevi are rare in pediatric liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Spider naevi (cutaneous spider angiomas) are typically associated with chronic liver disease.
- Their prevalence in pediatric populations is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the occurrence of spider naevi in children.
- To compare the prevalence of spider naevi in children with and without liver disease.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the presence of spider naevi in 460 children.
- Included 34 children with diagnosed chronic liver disease and a control group.
Main Results:
- 38% of children without liver disease had at least one spider naevus, increasing with age.
- Only 4 of 34 children with chronic liver disease had five or more spider naevi.
- Most lesions were small and located on the hands.
Conclusions:
- Children with liver disease seldom present with numerous spider naevi.
- While five or more spider naevi suggest liver disease, many healthy children also exhibit these lesions.
Background:
Cutaneous spider naevi are commonly considered to be a clinical sign of chronic liver disease. Little is known about their occurrence in children.
Aim:
To evaluate the occurrence of spider naevi in children with and without liver disease.
Methods:
The presence of spider naevi was investigated in 460 children, 34 of whom had chronic liver disease.
Results:
Of children without liver involvement, 38% had at least one spider naevus. The prevalence of spider naevi increased with age. Of control patients aged 5 to 15 years, 2.5% had more than five spiders present. Although eight of 10 children with cirrhosis had at least one spider naevus, only four of 34 children with chronic liver disease had five or more spiders present. Most spiders were on the hands and very few were >5 mm in size.
Conclusions:
Children with liver disease rarely have large numbers of spider naevi. Although the finding of five or more spider naevi is more common in liver disease, many normal children also have one or more of these lesions.
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