Changing profile of Budd Chiari syndrome in India

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that Budd Chiari syndrome occurs when acquired predisposing factor(s) affect a susceptible individual with one or more underlying thrombophilic conditions. Geographical variations in disease pattern of Budd Chiari syndrome exist, which may reflect differing predisposing factors. We review a change in disease profile of Budd Chiari syndrome in India over the past three decades. While earlier studies from India reported isolated inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction as the commonest disease type, this is a minority in more recent reports where a combination of IVC and hepatic vein obstruction is the commonest type. Longer duration of illness has been shown to be associated with IVC obstruction and the recent change in disease profile in India may reflect earlier diagnosis of Budd Chiari syndrome. Poverty, malnutrition, recurrent bacterial infections and filariasis have been previously suggested as predisposing factors for IVC obstruction. Improvement in hygiene and sanitation may partly explain the recent change in disease profile of Budd Chiari syndrome in India.