What's the current role of liver biopsy in children?

While noninvasive alternatives are increasingly available, liver biopsy still provides essential information in some children with liver disease, according to a new position paper in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, official journal of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

The position paper was authored by the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee. "Despite increasing knowledge and experience in non-invasive assessment of the liver, liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of acute and ," comments Committee member Dr Piotr Socha of The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw.

Liver Biopsy in Children—Evolving Indications, But Still Essential

In recent years, new tests and diagnostic procedures for liver disease have "begun to compete seriously" with long-established techniques of liver biopsy, according to the Committee's report. Yet in several situations, liver biopsy still provides critical information that cannot be obtained in any other way. "The ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee has worked on new criteria to clarify indications and optimize diagnostic yield and safety of the procedure in a 'child-friendly' and appropriate environment," says Dr Socha.

The new position paper identifies specific situations where biopsy is—and is not—required for diagnosis of pediatric . Biopsy continues to play an important role in follow-up after . Various alternative techniques for liver biopsy are discussed, along with the recognition and management of complications.

The position paper also outlines a recommended protocol and checklist for performing pediatric liver biopsy, highlighting appropriate steps to ensure patient safety and comfort. Special populations and situations in which liver biopsy should not be performed or poses certain hazards are reviewed—for example, in patients with certain bleeding disorders.

The position paper concludes with a look at the likely role of in the future. With advances in diagnostic testing and technology, noninvasive techniques can now provide information on and steatosis (scarring and fatty tissue in the liver) comparable to that provided by biopsy.

"However, in monitoring activity of disease and assessing results of treatment, the study of will continue to be irreplaceable in the foreseeable future," Dr Socha and the Committee write.

More information: "Liver Biopsy in Children: Position Paper of the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee." journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract … er_of_the.98097.aspx

Citation: What's the current role of liver biopsy in children? (2014, November 14) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-11-current-role-liver-biopsy-children.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Nearly 10 percent of ketamine abusers have liver injury

 shares

Feedback to editors