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Complications of percutaneous liver biopsy in infants and children
A Lachaux1, C Le Gall, M Chambon
1Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie et Nutrition Pédiatriques, Pavillon S - Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France.
Insights
Percutaneous liver biopsy using a 1.6 mm needle is safe and effective in children. This study found minimal bleeding complications, supporting its use in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Interventional Radiology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy is a crucial diagnostic tool in pediatric hepatology.
- Assessing the safety and efficacy of smaller gauge needles is important for minimizing patient risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous liver biopsies performed with a 1.6 mm Menghini needle in children.
- To determine the complication rates, particularly bleeding, in pediatric patients undergoing liver biopsy.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 144 consecutive percutaneous liver biopsies in children under 15 years.
- Biopsies were performed using a 1.6 mm Menghini needle.
- Coagulation status and post-biopsy bleeding complications were analyzed.
Main Results:
- All 144 biopsies were adequate, with a mean of 17.6 portal tracts examined.
- No deaths occurred; bleeding was the only complication observed.
- Bleeding requiring transfusion occurred in 1 of 128 patients with normal coagulation and 2 of 16 patients with abnormal coagulation.
Conclusions:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy with a 1.6 mm needle is a safe and effective procedure in the pediatric population.
- Ultrasound guidance is recommended to further enhance safety during pediatric liver biopsies.
Unlabelled:
In this study, 144 consecutive percutaneous liver biopsies performed with a 1.6 mm Menghini needle, during a 2-year period were reviewed. All the children were aged under 15 years, 57 patients less than 1 year and 87 more than 1 year. All biopsies were adequate and the mean number of portal tracts examined was 17.6 per biopsy (14.3 in patients weighing less than 10 kg and 19.1 in the others). There were no deaths and we observed only bleeding complications. In patients with normal coagulation (128 cases), 1 bleeding requiring transfusion occurred; and in patients with abnormal coagulation (16 cases), we observed 2 bleeding cases requiring transfusion.
Conclusion:
Percutaneous liver biopsy can be performed with 1.6 mm needles in children. For increased safety, ultrasound-guided biopsies are recommended.