Acute and Chronic Liver Disease Flashcards
What are choledochal cysts?
-rare entities characterised by single or multiple dilatations of the intra-hepatic or extra-hepatic biliary tree
How do children with choledochal cysts present?
- Jaundice
- Hepatomegaly
- Acholic stools
Often difficult to distinguish from biliary atresia
What are some of the complications of choledochal cysts?
- Cholangitis
- Pancreatitis
- Rupture of the cyst
- Cholangiocarcinoma
How do we treat choledochal cysts?
We usually remove them
How do we diagnose them?
- Clinically
2. On sonar or MRI
What are the causes of hepatitis and subsequently jaundice in children (particularly older children and teens)?
- Infections
- viral-hepatitis, CMV, EBV, Herpes, rubella
- bacterial
- parasitic-toxoplasma gondii, biharzia
- gallstones - Burns
- Drugs
- All TB drugs
- ARV(NVP and Zidovudine)
- anti-convulsants (phenobarbitone)
What is hepatitis?
-inflammatory process where ther is varying damage to the hepatocytes
How is HAV spread?
Faecal oral route (food and water)
Why do children by the age of 6 have HAV antibodies?
-inadequate sewerage disposal
What is the incubation period for HAV?
2-4 weeks
What do we see on serology when testing HAV?
Acute infection: IgM Antobodies
Chronic infection: IgG antibodies
What are the typical symptoms of HAV in children?
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrrhea
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Jaundice after a couple of days
BUT IT IS USUALLY ASYMPTOMATIC(95%)
What would you find on examination of patients with HAV?
Tender hepatomegaly and splenomegally in 30% of patients
Sometimes there is pale stools and dark urine if cholestasis is present
When does the jaundice and other symptoms of HAV resolve?
After 2 weeks
How do we manage HAV?
-supportive treatment at home if it is uncomplicated and make sure child receives adequate fluids
What immunization do travelers to endemic areas have to get?
- Human immunoglobulin that provides passive immunity for 3 months at 0,02-0,04mg/kg
- Active vaccination is given at two doses 6 months apart to children over 2 years
What is the route of transmission for HBV?
- Vertical(from the mom)
- Parenteral
- Sexual
- Horizontal (from child to child during preschool)
What is the most common cause of acute hepatitis in children?
Hepatitis A
What would you ask in history in acute hepatitis?
- Family history-ask for contacts
2. Any drugs and toxins
What is the peak age for hepatitis B?
Between 2-11 years
What is the incubation period for hepatitis B?
60-180 days
What are some complications of HBV?
- Glomerulonephritis
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Arthritis
- Pericarditis may also present
What is the treatment of HBV?
- Mostly supportive but we can also give interferon alpha and DNA-polymerase inhibiting agents
Lamiduvidine! in children
How is HCV spread?
- Sexual contact
2. IV drug use
Which hepatitis does HDV need to exist?
HBV
What age group is HEV common in?
15-40 year olds
What can HEV cause in endemic regions?
Fulminant hepatitis
Why do children with hepatitis have a prolonged INR?
They have vitamin K deficiency
What specific treatment would we give to these patients with hepatitis?
- If Herpertic treat with acyclovir
- Autoimmune cause use steroids
- Bacterial- antibiotics
What is chronic liver disease?
Inflammation of the liver for more than 6 months and capable of progressing into cirrhosis