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An Approach to Investigations of Chronic Liver Disease

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Abstract

Chronic liver disease (CLD) in children is more diverse compared to adults with respect to the etiology, progression and response to therapy. After history and clinical examination, the first step is to confirm the presence of CLD with basic blood investigations and ultrasonography. Markers of portal hypertension are splenomegaly, increased portal vein diameter, thrombocytopenia and presence of varices on endoscopy. The next step is to evaluate the etiology of CLD which will depend on the age of the child and needs targeted investigations as metabolic and inherited causes predominate in early childhood. CLD progression ought to be monitored regularly and several non-invasive markers are available but they have to be evaluated further in children. Since CLD progresses, complications have to be detected early not only to initiate appropriate treatment but also to prognosticate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Apollo BGS Hospitals, Kuvempunagar, Mysore, Karnataka, 570023, India

    Aathira Ravindranath

  2. Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560103, India

    Surender Kumar Yachha

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  1. Aathira Ravindranath
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  2. Surender Kumar Yachha
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AR: Literature search and initial preparation of manuscript; SKY: Supervision, final drafting of manuscript and guidance. SKY will act as the guarantor for this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Surender Kumar Yachha.

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Ravindranath, A., Yachha, S.K. An Approach to Investigations of Chronic Liver Disease. Indian J Pediatr 91, 262–269 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04751-1

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