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[Bacterial, mycotic and protozoal cholangitis in childhood]
Insights
Pediatric cholangitis often occurs with liver disease, with jaundice being the most common symptom. Polymicrobial infections are usual, frequently involving Streptococci and E. coli.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Context:
- This study examines pediatric cholangitis cases from 1973-1982 at the Institute of Infectious Diseases in Genoa.
- Cholangitis in children is frequently associated with underlying hepatic diseases, rarely occurring in isolation.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, etiology, and common signs of cholangitis in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and etiological diversity of childhood cholangitis.
Summary:
- The classic triad of fever, jaundice, and pain is uncommon in pediatric cholangitis; jaundice is the most frequent clinical sign.
- Polymicrobial etiology is characteristic, with Streptococci and Escherichia coli being the most common bacterial agents.
- Other causative agents include anaerobic organisms, fungi, and protozoa, indicating a broad spectrum of potential pathogens.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric cholangitis over a decade.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering polymicrobial infections and associated liver conditions in diagnosing childhood cholangitis.
- Contributes to understanding the varied etiology of cholangitis in pediatric populations, aiding in targeted treatment strategies.
Abstract:
The Authors present the cases of cholangitis in childhood observed in the Institute of Infectious diseases of Genoa from 1973 to 1982. Cholangitis rarely starts by alone, whereas it appears usually in association with hepatic underlying disease. In childhood the symptomatological triad (fever, jaundice, pain) is infrequent: only jaundice is a common sign of disease. Polymicrobial aetiology of cholangitis is very usual, but Streptococci and E. coli are the aetiological agents most frequently observed; sometimes also anaerobic organsimee, fungi and protozoa cause cholangitis.