DISORDERS OF THE NEONATAL LIVER AND BILE DUCTS

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Rocha, G (Author) Other; Rocha, P (Author) Other; Proenca, E (Author) Other; Quintas, C (Author) Other; Martins, T (Author) Other; Pissarra, S (Author) Other; Guimarães H (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Acta Medica Portuguesa

Vol. 23 No. 5

Pages: 767-776

ISSN: 0870-399X

Publisher: Ordem dos Medicos

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 7 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-321

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Liver and biliary tract disorders in the neonate are relatively rare and often complex. Aims: To evaluate the incidence of neonatal liver and biliary tract disorders, main causes, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome. Material and Methods: Clinical, imagiological, laboratory, pathological and autopsy data concerning all newborns with liver and biliary tract disorder admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of five tertiary medical centers from the north of Portugal, between 1997 and 2006, were retrospectively analysed. Results: 77 neonates (incidence 0.5%-77/14505 admissions); 44M/33F; gestational age 34 weeks (25-41); preterm 50 (65%); birthweight 1980g (570-4130), < 1500 g 29 (38%). Several causes were identified and classified as infectious, metabolic, anatomic/structural, neoplastic, vascular, traumatic, immune, genetic and idiopathic. Clinical signs appeared between days 1 and 61 of life. Jaundice was the most frequent clinical sign (92%). Cholestasis occurred in 67 (87%) patients. Duration of hospital stay was 35 days (5-146); 18 patients (23%) were deceased. Autopsy study was diagnostic in 8 cases (10%). Conclusions: Nosocomial and intrauterine infection were the most common causes of liver and biliary tract disease. Several other rare causes represented an important challenge in diagnosis and treatment, and some were fatal. Awareness of the spectrum of liver and bile duct disorders in the neonate and recognition of the key clinical features are essential to optimize outcome.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10