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. 2000 Jan-Mar;19(1):12-3.

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis in children

U Poddar  1 , B R Thapa, P Puri, C S Girish, K Vaiphei, R K Vasishta, K Singh
Affiliations
  • PMID: 10659480

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis in children

U Poddar et al. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2000 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is an infrequent cause of portal hypertension in children. We report 11 children with NCPF, from among 338 with portal hypertension, seen over 6.5 years.

Methods: The diagnosis was based on patent splenoportal axis on ultrasonography and/or splenoportal venography and liver biopsy showing no evidence of cirrhosis or other diagnosis, in children with portal hypertension. Those with variceal bleed were managed with endoscopic sclerotherapy and/or shunt surgery.

Results: The median age was 11 years (range 5 to 14), and 8 were boys. Presentation was with variceal bleed in 6, lump in left upper abdomen in 5 (though all children had splenomegaly) and esophageal varices on endoscopy. The median spleen enlargement was 8.5 cm; 8 also had hepatomegaly. Hypersplenism was present in 7, and two had developed ascites after bleed. Of 6 children presenting with bleed, variceal obliteration was achieved on sclerotherapy (average 5.6 sessions) in 4 while two underwent shunt surgery for associated hypersplenism. After median follow up of 57.5 months (range 12-78) all are alive and well.

Conclusion: NCPF is an uncommon cause of portal hypertension in Indian children. Presentation with variceal bleed is less common than in adults; sclerotherapy is effective.

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