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Splenic Rupture in Children With Portal Hypertension
Orith Waisbourd-Zinman1,2,3, Amit Shah1, Henry C Lin1,3
1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
Insights
Splenic rupture is rare in children with portal hypertension (PHTN) and massive splenomegaly, often resulting from falls rather than sports. Hepatologists recommend restricting high-impact sports and consider spleen guards for injury prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Massive splenomegaly in children with portal hypertension (PHTN) poses a risk of splenic rupture.
- Limited data exists on the incidence, causes, and prevention strategies for splenic rupture in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cases of splenic rupture in pediatric patients with PHTN.
- To describe current practices among hepatologists for preventing splenic rupture.
Main Methods:
- An international survey was distributed to pediatric hepatologists in academic centers.
- The survey collected data on splenic rupture cases and prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Thirteen cases of splenic rupture were reported, with 11 linked to trauma (mostly falls).
- Hepatologists generally agreed on restricting high-risk sports but varied on spleen guard recommendations.
- Platelet count was not considered a factor in decision-making by most practitioners.
Conclusions:
- Splenic rupture appears rare in children with PHTN-induced splenomegaly.
- Recommendations include restricting high-impact sports and considering spleen guards for activities with fall or trauma risk.
Introduction:
Massive splenomegaly from portal hypertension (PHTN) in children raises the specter of splenic rupture; however, the incidence, etiology, and risk of rupture have not been studied, nor have existing practices to reduce risk. We therefore performed an international survey to describe the splenic rupture cases in PHTN and to describe the existing empirical practice among hepatologists.
Methods:
A questionnaire was constructed to elicit cases of splenic rupture and collect hepatologists' common practices for prevention of splenic rupture. Pediatric hepatologists working in selected tertiary academic centers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were contacted.
Results:
Hepatologists from 30 of 35 centers who met the inclusion criteria replied to the survey. Thirteen cases of splenic rupture were described of which 11 resulted from trauma. In the opinion of the practitioners, high-risk activities were football, hockey, and wrestling. Sixty-one percent recommended total restriction from high-risk activities. Seventy-four percent stated that platelet count had no effect on this decision and 61% advised a spleen guard for certain activities.
Conclusions:
Splenic rupture in patients with PHTN and splenomegaly seems to be rare. The reported splenic rupture cases were mostly related to falling (and not to participation in sports). There was general agreement among hepatologists about restricting high impact sports. There was variation in recommendations regarding the use of a spleen guard. The authors recommend use of spleen guards in children with splenomegaly from PHTN for physical activities with risk of fall or blunt abdominal trauma.
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