
Urmi Roy
Kurmitola General Hospital, BangladeshPresentation Title:
Assessment of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) based on esophageal varices in children
Abstract
Background: Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects
individuals of all ages, including children. Within pediatric CLD, one critical aspect that demands
careful evaluation is the presence and severity of esophageal varices. If left untreated, these
enlarged, fragile blood vessels in the esophagus can lead to life-threatening bleeding. The
assessment of esophageal varices plays a pivotal role in managing and prognosis of children with
CLD.
Aim of the Study: The study aims to measure laboratory parameters and calculate serum liver
fibrosis scores in CLD children.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 24 pediatric patients diagnosed with esophageal
varices in Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) at the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition,
BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over two years from April 2019 to October 2021. Ethical standards
were adhered to with informed consent and ethical committee approval.
Results: According to the diagnoses, 50% of the patients were identified as having Wilson's
disease. Notably, 16.7% of the patients presented with Grade 4 esophageal varices. In terms of
laboratory parameters, the median hemoglobin level was 10.2 gm/dl, the total leukocyte count was
6300/mm3, the platelet count had a median of 90000/µL, the bilirubin level had a median of 2.7
gm/dl, ALT had a median of 57 U/L, AST had a median of 134.5 U/L, GGT had a median of 132
U/L, INR had a median of 1.6, albumin had a median of 25 gm/dl, and cholesterol had a median of
105 mg/dl. Lastly, the median liver stiffness was recorded as 13.1 kPa, with an interquartile range
(IQR) spanning from 10.3 to 21.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of early detection and management of
esophageal varices in children with CLD, as they are crucial prognostic indicators for underlying
liver conditions. By integrating these clinical tools and parameters, healthcare providers can make
informed decisions regarding the management and treatment of children with CLD. Early
identification of esophageal varices and a comprehensive assessment of the liver's functional status
are essential in improving the overall care and outcomes for pediatric patients with chronic liver
disease, ensuring timely intervention and support to enhance their quality of life.
Biography
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