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Clinical Characteristics and Complications of Pediatric Liver Biopsy: A Single Centre Experience
Patricia Almeida1, Richard A Schreiber1, Jennifer Liang1
1Hepatology and Nutrition, BC Children's Hospital Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
Insights
Pediatric liver biopsy (LB) is a safe and valuable procedure for diagnosing liver disease, with most complications being minor and identified quickly. Patients can often go home within 8-12 hours post-procedure if no complications arise.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy (LB) is the established standard for evaluating pediatric liver disease.
- Characterizing complications is crucial for optimizing patient care and safety protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics of pediatric patients undergoing LB.
- To determine the incidence and timing of complications following LB in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records for pediatric patients who underwent LB over a six-year period.
- Data collected included demographic information and procedure-related details.
Main Results:
- 223 LBs were performed; 179 were percutaneous or transjugular.
- Elevated liver enzymes and cholestasis were the primary indications (nearly 70%).
- A specific diagnosis was achieved in 89% of cases with no deaths or major complications; pain was the most common minor complication (59%), with 88% of complications noted within 8 hours.
Conclusions:
- Liver biopsy is a safe and effective diagnostic tool in pediatric patients.
- The low complication rate supports its continued use.
- Discharge within 8-12 hours is feasible for patients without immediate complications.
Introduction:
Percutaneous liver biopsy (LB) is the gold standard method for evaluation and management of patients with liver disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize pediatric patients undergoing LB at British Columbia Children's Hospital, and to determine the rate and timing of complications following the procedure.
Material And Methods:
The medical records of all pediatric patients who underwent LB during a six-year retrospective study were reviewed to collect demographic and procedure-related data.
Results:
223 LBs were performed, and 179 of these biopsies were percutaneous or transjugular. Elevated liver enzymes and cholestasis together accounted for almost 70% of the indications for LB, and the histological analysis of liver tissue yielded a specific diagnosis in 89 % of the cases. There were no deaths and no major complications related to LB. The most frequent minor complication was pain (59% of LBs) and the other complications were bleeding-related and classified as minor. The vast majority of complications (88%) were recognized within 8 h of the LB.
Conclusions:
LB is a valuable and safe procedure in pediatric patients with a low rate of complications. Pediatric patients can be discharged home safely should no complications occur within the first 8-12 h after the procedure.
