Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 7, 2025

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

6.9K

Hepatic hydrothorax in a child and its management

L Morin1, S Branchereau2, D Habes3

  • 1Department of Paediatric Intensive Care, DMU 3 Santé de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Bicêtre Hospital, APHP Paris Saclay University, France.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic hydrothorax in infants can be managed with an implantable pleural access device. This device provides symptom relief while awaiting liver transplantation and optimal growth for the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Hepatic hydrothorax, a rare complication of portal hypertension, necessitates liver transplantation for optimal management.
  • Liver transplantation in pediatric patients is ideally performed when the child weighs over 8 kg.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old infant with hepatic hydrothorax presented with significant respiratory distress.
  • The infant's weight was below the optimal threshold for liver transplantation.

Findings:

  • An implantable pleural access device was successfully utilized in the infant.
  • This device facilitated painless, iterative pleural fluid drainage, alleviating respiratory symptoms.
  • The intervention allowed the infant to reach a more suitable weight for transplantation.

Implications:

  • This approach offers a viable temporary solution for managing hepatic hydrothorax in infants awaiting liver transplantation.
  • Utilizing an implantable pleural access device can improve patient stability and outcomes during the waiting period.
  • This case highlights the importance of tailored management strategies for pediatric patients with complex conditions.

Keywords:
Child.DiagnosticsHepatic hydrothoraxLiver cirrhosisPortal hypertensionTreatment

More Related Videos

Laparoscopic Anatomical Right Hemihepatectomy via the In Situ Anterior Approach05:30

Laparoscopic Anatomical Right Hemihepatectomy via the In Situ Anterior Approach

Published on: August 8, 2025

226
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

14.1K

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
564
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
787
Flail Chest-II01:26

Flail Chest-II

Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
338
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
210
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
701
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
212