Eur J Pediatr Surg 2018; 28(05): 439-444
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603987
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Variceal Bleeds in Patients with Biliary Atresia

Daan B. van Wessel
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
Mauri Witt
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
Niels Bax
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
Henkjan J. Verkade
2   Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
René Scheenstra
2   Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
Ruben H. de Kleine
3   Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
,
Jan B. Hulscher
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
› Institutsangaben
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

23. Februar 2017

29. April 2017

Publikationsdatum:
28. Juni 2017 (online)

Abstract

Introduction Portal hypertension often occurs in biliary atresia (BA). The subsequent development of esophageal varices and bleeding from these varices are a well-known complication. We aim to describe the incidence and severity of variceal bleeding in patients with BA. In addition, we describe the characteristics of patients who experienced variceal bleeds.

Materials and Methods We included all infants treated for BA at our center between March 1987 and August 2015. Variceal bleeding was defined as hematemesis and/or melena with presence of varices at endoscopy. Findings at endoscopy and ultrasound, laboratory tests, clearance of jaundice, fibrosis-grade at Kasai portoenterostomy, and several varices prediction scores were documented. Routine endoscopies were not performed.

Results In this study, 74 patients were included. During follow-up, 18 out of 74 patients (24%) developed variceal bleeding at an age of 9 months (range, 4–111). Twelve patients were listed for liver transplantation at the time of bleeding. Patients who did not clear their jaundice developed variceal bleeds more often and earlier in life. Bleeds were treated with sclerotherapy, banding, or octreotide. Four patients did not receive treatment. No bleeding-related mortality occurred.

Conclusion One-fourth of the children diagnosed with BA experience variceal bleeds during follow-up. Most of these children are younger than 1 year and often already listed for transplantation. Major complications did not occur after variceal bleeding.

 
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