Safety, Feasibility, Yield, Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications of Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the indications, feasibility, complications and clinical implications of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in children.

METHODS

Data of all TJLB performed in children <18 years old was retrieved from the computerized hospital information system. TJLB was done using a 19 G quick-core needle biopsy system with 20 mm throw length. Hepatic venous pressure gradient was additionally measured in children with portal hypertension. A single pathologist reviewed all the biopsies again and provided structured information.

RESULTS

A total of 102 children, including 5 with acute liver failure underwent TJLB with technical success in 101 (99%). A mean of 2.3 ± 0.9 passes (range: 1-5) was taken for the biopsy. The most common indications for TJLB in our cohort were elevated international normalized ratio >1.5 (66, 64.7%), ascites (46, 45.1%) and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 60,000/mm3) (42, 41.2%). Mean size of the tissue received was 14.5 ± 5.6 mm with an average of 10.2 ± 4.7 portal tracts. Only one child developed major (category D) complication (hemobilia) and 12 (11.8%) developed minor complications post-procedure. Etiological diagnosis could be made in a total of 64 (63.9%) children undergoing TJLB, the most common diagnosis being autoimmune hepatitis (n = 31), non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (n = 16) and drug-induced liver injury (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

TJLB is well tolerated, feasible and helps make a diagnosis in close to 64% children allowing timely medical and/or surgical intervention. It is especially useful for diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases, drug-induced liver injury and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.