Non-invasive methods can predict oesophageal varices in patients with biliary atresia after a Kasai procedure

Evaluation of Hepatic Shear Wave Elastography to Assess Liver Fibrosis in Biliary Atresia Patients and Its Correlation with Liver Histology and Surgical Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction  The native liver survival in biliary atresia (BA) depends on various factors, and one of the crucial factors is the rate of progression of liver fibrosis after portoenterostomy, but there is no reliable investigation to assess it. This study evaluated shear wave elastography (SWE) to detect liver fibrosis in BA patients and assess its utility during follow-up. Materials and Methods  This was an observational study; SWE was done preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 and 6 months. The SWE values were analyzed to determine their correlations with preoperative liver histology as well as with postoperative SWE variation between different postoperative outcomes. Results  Twenty-one patients were included in the study; the preoperative SWE values were strongly correlated with liver biopsy grading ( p  < 0.001). At the 3 months postoperatively, SWE was done for 18 children: 12 in group A (patent bilioenteric drainage on hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) and 6 (nonpatent) in group B; mean SWE value was 12.8 and 17.3 kPa, respectively ( p  < 0.001). Ten children from group A underwent SWE 6 months postoperatively, and the mean value was 13.23 kPa. Conclusion  The SWE values correlate with liver histology grading, suggesting a reliable alternative to biopsy. Additionally, the baseline SWE values and their trend during follow-up can provide information on the disease's progression.

An Approach to Investigations of Chronic Liver Disease

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.

How to suspect the presence of high-risk esophageal varices and when to start endoscopic surveillance in children with biliary atresia?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Portal hypertension determines the outcome of children with biliary atresia (BA) and is common even after a successful Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). However, there are no clear-cut guidelines on the age of starting surveillance and the modality (endoscopy vs non-invasive tests [NITs]). In this cohort study, we analyzed our database to find out the utility of NITs in detecting high-risk esophageal varices in BA.

METHODS

From June 2010 to May 2022, consecutive children of BA who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy were included. Esophageal varices were classified as high-risk (grade II with red-color signs or grade III or IV irrespective of red-color signs. NITs such as splenomegaly (clinical and USG), platelet count, aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet-to-spleen diameter ratio were compared between cases with high-risk and low-risk varices.

RESULTS

A total of 110 children, 75 boys (66 successful KPE and 44 failed/KPE not performed) were enrolled. The median age at KPE was 85 days (IQR 63-98). Thirteen (11.8%) children presented with UGI bleeding. The first endoscopy revealed gastroesophageal varices in 75.4% of cases, and 32% of them had high-risk varices. Multivariate analysis revealed failed KPE, history of UGI bleeding, bigger spleen size (> 3.5 cm), lower platelet count (< 150 000), and higher APRI (> 2) are independent predictors of the presence of high-risk esophageal varices.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy is the best in predicting the presence of high-risk varices that might bleed; hence, early surveillance endoscopy should be started in children with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and high APRI score to prevent variceal bleeding.

Use of shear wave elastography for the diagnosis and follow-up of biliary atresia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Timely differentiation of biliary atresia (BA) from other infantile cholestatic diseases can impact patient outcomes. Additionally, non-invasive staging of fibrosis after Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy has not been widely standardized. Shear wave elastography is an ultrasound modality that detects changes in tissue stiffness. The authors propose that the utility of elastography in BA can be elucidated through meta-analysis of existing studies.

AIM

To assess the utility of elastography in: (1) BA diagnosis, and (2) post-Kasai fibrosis surveillance.

METHODS

A literature search identified articles that evaluated elastography for BA diagnosis and for post-Kasai follow-up. Twenty studies met criteria for meta-analysis: Eleven for diagnosis and nine for follow-up post-Kasai. Estimated diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), sensitivity, and specificity of elastography were calculated through a random-effects model using Meta-DiSc software.

RESULTS

Mean liver stiffness in BA infants at diagnosis was significantly higher than in non-BA, with overall DOR 24.61, sensitivity 83%, and specificity 79%. Post-Kasai, mean liver stiffness was significantly higher in BA patients with varices than in patients without, with DOR 16.36, sensitivity 85%, and specificity 76%. Elastography differentiated stage F4 fibrosis from F0-F3 with DOR of 70.03, sensitivity 96%, and specificity 89%. Elastography also differentiated F3-F4 fibrosis from F0-F2 with DOR of 24.68, sensitivity 85%, and specificity 81%.

CONCLUSION

Elastography has potential as a non-invasive modality for BA diagnosis and surveillance post-Kasai. This paper’s limitations include inter-study method heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Future, standardized, multi-center studies are recommended.

Non-invasive Predictors of Esophageal Varices With a High Risk of Bleeding in Pediatric Cirrhotic Patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate non-invasive predictive factors of varices with a high risk of bleeding in pediatric cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included data from 158 children with cirrhosis, median age of 5.38 years (interquartile [IQ] 2.08-11.52 years), and no history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients underwent an endoscopy to screen for esophageal varices. Varices with a high risk of bleeding were defined as those with a medium to large caliber, presence of red spots, or the presence of gastric varices and identified as high-risk varices (HRV). Laboratory and clinical factors were evaluated as possible predictors of HRV.

RESULTS

HRV were detected in 30 children (19%) after the first endoscopy. In the multivariate analysis, only the risk score (RS), as described by Park et al, and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi) were predictive of HRV. The best non-invasive predictor of HRV was the RS with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.764. When used a cut-off point of -1.2, the sensitivity of the RS was 90% and specificity was 53%. The use of RS or APRi correctly identified 96% of children with HRV.

CONCLUSIONS

The described predictors allow the correct identification of patients with HRV. The association of RS >-1.2 or APRi >1.4 has a good sensitivity to identify HRV and to prevent unnecessary endoscopy in about one-third of children with no HRV.

Noninvasive markers for esophageal varices in children with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of esophageal varices (EV) is based on the findings of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), biopsy, and serum markers. Thus, noninvasive cost-effective tests through which high-risk EV children can be diagnosed are needed.

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the noninvasive markers for EV in children with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 98 children with liver cirrhosis were evaluated in this study. The spleen size, platelet count, serum albumin, liver function test results, and risk scores were evaluated prior to endoscopy. The endoscopic investigations aimed to identify the presence of EV and red signs, and determine varices sizes.

RESULTS

Endoscopy revealed varices in 43 subjects (43.9%). The spleen size, platelet count, international normalized ratio, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), platelet count to spleen size ratio, and risk score differed significantly between patients with and without EV on univariate analysis; however, the logistic regression analysis showed no differences, indicating that none of these parameters were independently associated with the presence of EV.

CONCLUSION

Platelet count, risk score, platelet count to spleen size, and APRI can be useful tools for the identification of highrisk patients with EV and might reduce the need for invasive methods like EGD.

Role of noninvasive tools for prediction of clinically evident portal hypertension in children

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive tools (NITs) for predicting varices in children with portal hypertension (PHTN) are infrequently used.

METHODS

Eighty-five consecutive, treatment-naïve children with PHTN and 97 controls were enrolled study from July 2017 to November 2018. Each case was evaluated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and various NITs: platelet spleen size Z (PSZ), clinical prediction rule (CPR), King's variceal prediction rule (KVaPS), Splenic stiffness (SSM) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by point shear wave elastrography (pSWE).

RESULTS

Had PHTN due to extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and 70% due to cirrhosis [chronic liver disease (CLD)]. Sixty-five percent of PHTN cases had varices. Children with varices had lower platelet counts, lower albumin and larger spleens. SSM and LSM were significantly higher in cases as compared with controls. SSM was significantly higher in cases with varices than those without. SSM and LSM, at cutoffs of 3.8 and 3.2 kPa, respectively, discriminated PHTN cases from controls with an area under the curve (AUROC) of 0.67 (0.59-0.74). Both SSM and LSM predicted varices in CLD, but in EHPVO, only SSM predicted varices. SSM of 5.2 and 12.8 kPa, in CLD and EHPVO subgroups, respectively, had AUROC of 0.73 and 0.94 for variceal prediction. Blood-based NITs performed better in the CLD subgroup: aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index, CPR and KVPS predicted severity of PHTN with AUROC of 0.81, 0.92 and 0.93, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood-based NITs outperform elastography for prediction of PHTN/varices in children with CLD. SSM by pSWE is a better predictor of varices than LSM, especially in the EHPVO subgroup.

Non-invasive prediction model for high-risk esophageal varices in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

There are two types of esophageal varices (EVs): high-risk EVs (HEVs) and low-risk EVs, and HEVs pose a greater threat to patient life than low-risk EVs. The diagnosis of EVs is mainly conducted by gastroscopy, which can cause discomfort to patients, or by non-invasive prediction models. A number of non-invasive models for predicting EVs have been reported; however, those that are based on the formula for calculation of liver and spleen volume in HEVs have not been reported.

AIM

To establish a non-invasive prediction model based on the formula for liver and spleen volume for predicting HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis.

METHODS

Data from 86 EV patients with viral cirrhosis were collected. Actual liver and spleen volumes of the patients were determined by computed tomography, and their calculated liver and spleen volumes were calculated by standard formulas. Other imaging and biochemical data were determined. The impact of each parameter on HEVs was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses, the data from which were employed to establish a non-invasive prediction model. Then the established prediction model was compared with other previous prediction models. Finally, the discriminating ability, calibration ability, and clinical efficacy of the new model was verified in both the modeling group and the external validation group.

RESULTS

Data from univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the liver-spleen volume ratio, spleen volume change rate, and aspartate aminotransferase were correlated with HEVs. These indexes were successfully used to establish the non-invasive prediction model. The comparison of the models showed that the established model could better predict HEVs compared with previous models. The discriminating ability, calibration ability, and clinical efficacy of the new model were affirmed.

CONCLUSION

The non-invasive prediction model for predicting HEVs in patients with viral cirrhosis was successfully established. The new model is reliable for predicting HEVs and has clinical applicability.

Spleen and Liver Stiffness to Detect Esophageal Varices in Children with Biliary Atresia

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of noninvasive parameters, such as liver (LS) and spleen stiffness (SS) to detect esophageal varices (EV) in children with biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS

Children with BA between 2000 and 2015 were recruited. All underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and transient elastography. Demographic data, laboratory investigations, alanine transferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and Varices Prediction Rule (VPR) score were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 51 children (mean age 10.63 years, standard deviation (SD) = 6.08 years; 53% boys) were enrolled. There were differences in onset and outcome of portoenterostomy, spleen palpablility, platelet count, albumin, LS, SS, and VPR between the varice and varice-free groups (P < 0.05). In the varice group, the median LS was 18.12 (interquartile ratio, IQR 13.15-19.12) and the median SS was 46.85 (IQR 25.95-54.55) kPa. In the varice-free group, the median LS was 7.85 (IQR 5.88-16.75) and the median SS was 16.54 (IQR 11.75-21.75) kPa. Both LS and SS were higher in the varice than the varice-free group (P < 0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LS, SS, spleen palpability, platelet count, APRI, and VPR were 0.734, 0.870, 0.817, 0.810, 0.751, and 0.794, respectively. Using a cut-off value of 12.5 kPa for LS, the sensitivity and specificity were 80 and 70%, respectively. Using a cut-off value of 28.9 kPa for SS, the sensitivity and specificity were 75 and 87%, respectively. Combination of LS and SS to diagnose varices increased the specificity to 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

SS as a single marker had the best diagnostic value to predict esophageal varices in children with BA. The combination of SS and LS furthermore, increased the diagnostic yield.

Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound Elastography for Evaluating Portal Hypertension in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) elastography in evaluating portal hypertension in children and compare the liver and spleen stiffness values between the portal hypertension and control groups.

METHODS

Studies in the MEDLINE and Embase databases were selected that investigated the diagnostic performance of US elastography in children with portal hypertension up to December 21, 2017. Pooled sensitivity and specificity data were assessed by hierarchical logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the systematic review, and a meta-analysis could be conducted in 7 of these publications to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US elastography. The summary sensitivity and specificity of this method for liver stiffness were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83%-94%) and 79% (95% CI, 73%-84%), respectively, and the area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90-0.94). A subgroup analysis of 5 transient elastographic studies revealed similar diagnostic performance (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 78%). In 10 of the 11 studies that investigated liver stiffness and 2 of the 3 studies that also measured spleen stiffness, patients in the portal hypertension group had a significantly higher stiffness value than the control group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound elastography shows good performance in diagnosing portal hypertension and can identify significant differences in liver and spleen stiffness in children with this condition. This method thus has considerable potential as a noninvasive tool for screening portal hypertension-related complications in children with chronic liver disease.

Non-Invasive Predictors for the First Variceal Hemorrhage in Children With Biliary Atresia After Kasai Portoenterostomy

BACKGROUND/AIM

: Portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage (VH) are significant complications in biliary atresia (BA). The study aims to evaluate risk factors and noninvasive markers that predict actual VH for the first time in children with BA without prior endoscopic surveillance or treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with BA from 1989 to 2016 at a single center. Primary outcome was the first episode of VH. Patients were stratified into VH and non-VH groups according to the development of VH, and laboratory and ultrasonographic data were analyzed at 2 time points: pre-VH and the last follow-up. Existing indices, varices prediction rule (VPR), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-platelet ratio index (APRI) were also applied retrospectively to evaluate their performance in prediction of VH in our cohort.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were included; 16 patients developed the first VH at median age of 5.5 years. On univariate analysis, serum albumin (P = 0.034), AST (P = 0.017), hemoglobin (P = 0.019), platelet count (P = <0.001), spleen size Z-score (P = <0.001), and rate of splenic enlargement (P = 0.006) were associated with VH. On multivariable regression analysis, only platelet count was independently predictive (P = 0.041). The optimal cutoff values for prediction of the first VH were platelet count ≤100 × 10⁹/L (sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 80.4%, positive predictive value [PPV] 52.2%, negative predictive value [NPV] 91.8%), VPR ≤3.0 (sensitivity 81.3%, specificity 85.7%, PPV 61.9%, NPV 94.1%), and APRI ≥3.0 (sensitivity 81.3%, specificity 76.8%, PPV 50.0%, NPV 93.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet count <100 × 10⁹/L and VPR <3.0 are simple, reproducible and effective noninvasive markers in predicting the first episode of acute VH in children with BA and may be used in pediatrics for the selection of patients to undergo primary prophylactic endoscopic therapy.

Advances in diagnosis of chronic liver diseases in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) present important clinical problem in children with various age-dependent causes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with its increasing prevalence is a major problem with regard to its timely recognition and the need for long-term disease monitoring. At present, a perfect non-invasive method for the evaluation of liver fibrosis is not available.

METHODS

A non-systematic literature search was performed to summarize the current knowledge about transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in children with CLD. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Google scholar, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles evaluating TE in the pediatric population.

RESULTS

Normal values of liver stiffness measurements (LSM) according to the age are given, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the method. The utility of TE in specific liver disease in pediatric population is summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

TE with CAP is a valuable non-invasive method for the liver-damage assessment. Clinical interpretation of TE results should be made in parallel with the assessment of the patient's demographics, disease etiology, and essential laboratory parameters.

Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension in the Pediatric Population

Cirrhosis is a complex process in which the architecture of the liver is replaced by structurally abnormal nodules due to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis frequently leads to the development of portal hypertension. In children, portal hypertension may be caused by a wide range of etiologies, including extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, biliary atresia, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, and autoimmune hepatitis. Gastroesophageal varices and ascites are two of the complications of portal hypertension likely to cause morbidity and mortality. This review also discusses extrahepatic manifestations of portal hypertension and treatment options.

Transient elastography is useful in diagnosing biliary atresia and predicting prognosis after hepatoportoenterostomy

We investigated the utility of transient elastography (TE) for diagnosing biliary atresia (BA) in cholestatic infants and predicting the outcome of BA. Forty-eight cholestatic infants (9-87 days of age) with direct bilirubin level >1 mg/dL were enrolled. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by TE was performed during the cholestasis workup, and 15 subjects were diagnosed as BA. We assessed liver histology using liver biopsies from 36 subjects and graded fibrosis status using the METAVIR score. BA infants had significantly higher LSM values and METAVIR scores than non-BA cholestatic infants. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that an LSM >7.7 kPa was predictive of BA among cholestatic infants (sensitivity = 80%; specificity = 97%; area under the curve [AUC] = 85.3%; P = 0.0001). Cholestatic infants with an LSM >7.7 kPa were more likely to be diagnosed with BA (odds ratio [OR] = 128; P < 0.001). Very early measurement of LSM after hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) is associated with occurrence of thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and esophageal varices 6 months post-HPE. Five of the BA subjects were awaiting or had received liver transplantation (LT), and they had a significantly higher LSM measured 1 week post-HPE than that in the other BA subjects (26.0 vs. 10.8 kPa; P = 0.006). A Cox proportional analysis demonstrated that the need for LT was significantly higher in BA subjects with LSM >16 kPa measured 1 week post-HPE than other BA subjects (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.16; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

LSM assessment during the workup of cholestatic infants may facilitate the diagnosis of BA. LSM post-HPE may predict complications and the need for early LT in infants with BA. (Hepatology 2018).

Non-invasive Markers of Portal Hypertension: Appraisal of Adult Experience and Potential Utilisation in Children

Portal hypertension (PHT) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children with chronic liver disease and portal vein obstruction. Increased portal pressure results in variceal formation along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract resulting in major bleeding. Identifying children with significant PHT who are more likely to suffer GI bleeding has been challenging and the role of surveillance upper GI endoscopy has been debated. This review analyses research done on serum biomarkers and imaging techniques as possible predictors of significant PHT. We evaluated the research performed on adult population, as well as the limited work done on children, to identify promising areas for future research. A literature search was conducted on "PubMed." Several search terms were used including "portal hypertension," "paediatric portal hypertension," "non-invasive markers of portal hypertension," "spleen stiffness," "liver stiffness," "elastography," and "endothelial damage." The articles included were selected based on their relevance to the purpose of our review. The research suggests a combination of several biomarkers, in addition to an imaging technique such as transient elastography or magnetic resonance elastography, would allow for the best prediction of significant varices. The most promising indicators would be those that are applicable in both intra- and extra-hepatic causes of PHT. Further research on these predictors in children with PHT is required to determine their potential role as selection criteria for PHT and stratification of surveillance GI endoscopies.

Non-invasive evaluation of portal hypertension using ultrasound elastography

Portal hypertension (PH) leads to serious complications, such as bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, ascites and portosystemic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Gold standard methods for assessing PH and its complications include the measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient and endoscopy; however, these are invasive, expensive and not available at all centres. Therefore, non-invasive alternatives have been the subject of extensive investigation over the last 20years. The present review focuses on the role of ultrasound elastography - a novel group of non-invasive techniques used to measure stiffness in target organs. In the context of CLD these methods are used to identify the presence of PH, its severity, and the risk of PH-related complications. The rationale, accumulated evidence, advantages and limitations of liver and spleen stiffness measurements evaluated by different ultrasound elastography techniques in patients with advanced CLD is discussed. Recent data regarding the use of ultrasound elastography techniques in patients with non-cirrhotic forms of PH are also described.

Platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices in people with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend screening of people with oesophageal varices via oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy at the time of diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis. This requires that people repeatedly undergo unpleasant invasive procedures with their attendant risks, although half of these people have no identifiable oesophageal varices 10 years after the initial diagnosis of cirrhosis. Platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio are non-invasive tests proposed as triage tests for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices.

OBJECTIVES

Primary objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices of any size in paediatric or adult patients with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, irrespective of aetiology. To investigate the accuracy of these non-invasive tests as triage or replacement of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy. Secondary objectives To compare the diagnostic accuracy of these same tests for the diagnosis of high-risk oesophageal varices in paediatric or adult patients with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, irrespective of aetiology.We aimed to perform pair-wise comparisons between the three index tests, while considering predefined cut-off values.We investigated sources of heterogeneity.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies Register, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (OvidSP), Embase (OvidSP), and Science Citation Index - Expanded (Web of Science) (14 June 2016). We applied no language or document-type restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of platelet count, spleen length, and platelet count-to-spleen length ratio for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices via oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy as the reference standard in children or adults of any age with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis, who did not have variceal bleeding.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Standard Cochrane methods as outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Diagnostic Test of Accuracy Reviews.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 71 studies, 67 of which enrolled only adults and four only children. All included studies were cross-sectional and were undertaken at a tertiary care centre. Eight studies reported study results in abstracts or letters. We considered all but one of the included studies to be at high risk of bias. We had major concerns about defining the cut-off value for the three index tests; most included studies derived the best cut-off values a posteriori, thus overestimating accuracy; 16 studies were designed to validate the 909 (n/mm3)/mm cut-off value for platelet count-to-spleen length ratio. Enrolment of participants was not consecutive in six studies and was unclear in 31 studies. Thirty-four studies assessed enrolment consecutively. Eleven studies excluded some included participants from the analyses, and in only one study, the time interval between index tests and the reference standard was longer than three months. Diagnosis of varices of any size. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 0.77) and specificity of 0.80 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.88) (cut-off value of around 150,000/mm3 from 140,000 to 150,000/mm3; 10 studies, 2054 participants). When examining potential sources of heterogeneity, we found that of all predefined factors, only aetiology had a role: studies including participants with chronic hepatitis C reported different results when compared with studies including participants with mixed aetiologies (P = 0.036). Spleen length showed sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91) and specificity of 0.54 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.62) (cut-off values of around 110 mm, from 110 to 112.5 mm; 13 studies, 1489 participants). Summary estimates for detection of varices of any size showed sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.83 to 0.97) and specificity of 0.84 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91) in 17 studies, and 2637 participants had a cut-off value for platelet count-to-spleen length ratio of 909 (n/mm3)/mm. We found no effect of predefined sources of heterogeneity. An overall indirect comparison of the HSROCs of the three index tests showed that platelet count-to-spleen length ratio was the most accurate index test when compared with platelet count (P < 0.001) and spleen length (P < 0.001). Diagnosis of varices at high risk of bleeding. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.85) and specificity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.77) (cut-off value of around 150,000/mm3 from 140,000 to 160,000/mm3; seven studies, 1671 participants). For spleen length, we obtained only a summary ROC curve as we found no common cut-off between studies (six studies, 883 participants). Platelet count-to-spleen length ratio showed sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.93) and specificity of 0.66 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.77) (cut-off value of around 909 (n/mm3)/mm; from 897 to 921 (n/mm3)/mm; seven studies, 642 participants). An overall indirect comparison of the HSROCs of the three index tests showed that platelet count-to-spleen length ratio was the most accurate index test when compared with platelet count (P = 0.003) and spleen length (P < 0.001). DIagnosis of varices of any size in children. We found four studies including 277 children with different liver diseases and or portal vein thrombosis. Platelet count showed sensitivity of 0.71 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.80) and specificity of 0.83 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.91) (cut-off value of around 115,000/mm3; four studies, 277 participants). Platelet count-to-spleen length z-score ratio showed sensitivity of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.81) and specificity of 0.64 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.84) (cut-off value of 25; two studies, 197 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Platelet count-to-spleen length ratio could be used to stratify the risk of oesophageal varices. This test can be used as a triage test before endoscopy, thus ruling out adults without varices. In the case of a ratio > 909 (n/mm3)/mm, the presence of oesophageal varices of any size can be excluded and only 7% of adults with varices of any size would be missed, allowing investigators to spare the number of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy examinations. This test is not accurate enough for identification of oesophageal varices at high risk of bleeding that require primary prophylaxis. Future studies should assess the diagnostic accuracy of this test in specific subgroups of patients, as well as its ability to predict variceal bleeding. New non-invasive tests should be examined.

King's Variceal Prediction Score: A Novel Noninvasive Marker of Portal Hypertension in Pediatric Chronic Liver Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Variceal haemorrhage can be a life-threatening complication of chronic liver disease in children. There is limited evidence about the optimal prophylactic management and selection criteria of children who will benefit from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

METHODS

Children presenting in our centre with suspected portal hypertension or gastrointestinal bleeding and undergoing their first oesophagogastroduodenoscopy between 2005 and 2012 were included. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological data were collected. A separate validation cohort from May 2013 to October 2014 was obtained.

RESULTS

Data on 124 treatment-naïve patients were collected; 50% had biliary atresia. Thirty-five (28%) children presented with gastrointestinal bleeding and overall 79 (64%) had clinically significant (grade II-III) varices. Clinical prediction rule, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index, and varices prediction rule had at optimal cut-off sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 59%, 60% and 55%, and 80% and 59%, respectively. Logistic regression yielded a new prediction rule of (3 × albumin ([g/dL]) -  (2 - equivalent adult spleen size [cm]). This King's variceal prediction score had a favourable areas under the curve of 0.772 (0.677-0.867) compared to clinical prediction rule 0.732 (0.632-0.832). At the optimal cut-off of 76 this yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 73% and a positive and negative predictive value of 82% and 60%, respectively. In the validation cohort areas under the curve was 0.818 (0.654-0.995) with sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 73%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new prediction score may be a useful tool in the selection of children with clinically significant varices eligible for a screening endoscopy.

A Prospective Comparison of Noninvasive Methods in the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis and Esophageal Varices in Pediatric Chronic Liver Diseases

GOALS AND BACKGROUND

We compared liver stiffness (LS), the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi), and the platelet-to-spleen size z score ratio (P/SZC) in the prediction of liver fibrosis and esophageal varices in children.

STUDY

LS, APRi, SZC, and P/SZC were prospectively determined in 99 unselected consecutive children, who underwent liver biopsy for the follow-up of chronic liver disorders. LS was assessed by transient elastography. The spleen size was evaluated as the SD from age-specific and gender-specific normative values. Varices were assessed endoscopically (n=64). Biopsies were staged according to Metavir.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 6.0 (interquartile range, 1.8 to 12.9) years. Underlying diagnoses included intestinal failure (n=31), biliary atresia (n=24), and others (n=44). LS showed the strongest correlation with the fibrosis stage (r=0.639, P<0.001) compared with P/SZC (r=-0.427, P=0.003), APRi (r=0.419, P=0.001), or SZC (r=0.396, P=0.004). LS clearly performed the best in predicting fibrosis with area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) values of 0.789 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.698-0.879; P<0.001] for any (Metavir≥1), and 0.831 (95% CI, 0.745-0.918; P<0.001) for significant (Metavir≥2) fibrosis. For the prediction of the presence of esophageal varices, APRi had a higher AUROC of 0.832 (95% CI, 0.730-0.934; P<0.001), when compared with LS, SZC, or P/SZC with AUROCs of 0.818 (95% CI, 0.706-0.930; P<0.001), 0.795 (95% CI, 0.683-0.904; P=0.001), and 0.760 (95% CI, 0.610-0.909; P=0.004), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LS performed the best in predicting liver fibrosis, whereas APRi had the highest predictive accuracy for esophageal varices. An LS value over 7.7 kPa identified significant liver fibrosis with high accuracy, whereas low APRi ascertained the absence of esophageal varices.

Diagnosing native liver fibrosis and esophageal varices using liver and spleen stiffness measurements in biliary atresia: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia commonly leads to liver fibrosis and cirrhotic complications, including esophageal varices.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate liver and spleen stiffness measurements using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging for diagnosing grade of liver fibrosis and predicting the presence of esophageal varices in patients treated for biliary atresia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ARFI imaging of the spleen and native liver was performed in 28 patients with biliary atresia. We studied the relation between ARFI imaging values and liver histology findings (n=22), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings (n=16) and several noninvasive test results. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

Liver stiffness measurements exhibited a significant difference among the different grades of liver fibrosis (P=0.009), and showed higher values in patients with high-risk esophageal varices than in the other patients (P=0.04). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of liver stiffness measurements for liver fibrosis grades  ≥ F2, ≥F3 and = F4 were 0.83, 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. Patients with high-risk esophageal varices were preferentially diagnosed by the combined liver and spleen stiffness measurements (area under the curve, 0.92).

CONCLUSION

Liver and spleen stiffness measurements using ARFI imaging are potential noninvasive markers for liver fibrosis and esophageal varices in patients treated for biliary atresia.

Development and Validation of a Novel Fibrosis Marker in Biliary Atresia during Infancy

OBJECTIVES

Most biliary atresia (BA) patients suffer from liver fibrosis and often require liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel fibrosis marker for BA patients aged <1 year-the infant BA liver fibrosis (iBALF) score-subsequent to the previously reported fibrosis marker for BA patients aged ≥1 year.

METHODS

From three institutions for pediatric surgery, BA patients and their native liver histology examinations performed at the age of <1 year were retrospectively identified and assigned to a development cohort (58 patients and 73 examinations) or validation cohort (92 patients and 117 examinations) according to their institutions. Histological fibrosis stages (F0-F4), blood test results, and clinical information at the time of liver histology examination were reviewed. The iBALF score was determined using multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis and was assessed for its associations with histological fibrosis stages.

RESULTS

The iBALF score equation was composed of natural logarithms, including serum total bilirubin level, blood platelet counts, and days of age. The score revealed a strong correlation with fibrosis stage (r=0.80 and 0.73 in the development and validation cohorts, respectively; P<0.001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for diagnosing each fibrosis stage were 0.86-0.94 in the development cohort and 0.86-0.90 in the validation cohort (P<0.001), indicating good diagnostic power. In addition, no patient with an iBALF score >6 (equivalent to F4) at the initial surgery survived with their native liver at 1 year of age (n=9).

CONCLUSIONS

The iBALF score that was developed was a good noninvasive marker of native liver fibrosis for BA patients aged <1 year.

Personalized management of cirrhosis by non-invasive tests of liver fibrosis

Owing to the high prevalence of various chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, the development of non-invasive tests of fibrosis allows accurate diagnosis of cirrhosis and reduces the need for liver biopsy. In this review, we discuss the application of these non-invasive tests beyond the diagnosis of cirrhosis. In particular, their role in the selection of patients for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance and varices screening is highlighted.

Assessment of liver fibrosis by Fibroscan as compared to liver biopsy in biliary atresia

AIM: To evaluate liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using non-invasive transient elastography (Fibroscan) in comparison with liver biopsy for assessment of liver fibrosis in children with biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS: Thirty-one children with BA admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Beijing Children’s Hospital from March 2012 to February 2013 were included in this study. Their preoperative LSM, liver biopsy findings, and laboratory results were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS: The grade of liver fibrosis in all 31 patients was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, which showed that 4 cases were in group F2, 20 in group F3 and 7 in group F4. There were 24 non-cirrhosis cases (F2-F3) and 7 cirrhosis cases (F4). In groups F2, F3 and F4, the mean LSM was 9.10 ± 3.30 kPa, 11.02 ± 3.31 kPa and 22.86 ± 12.43 kPa, respectively. LSM was statistically different between groups F2 and F4 (P = 0.002), and between groups F3 and F4 (P = 0.000), however, there was no statistical difference between groups F2 and F3 (P = 0.593). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM for ≥ F4 was 0.866. The cut-off value of LSM was 15.15 kPa for ≥ F4, with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 0.857, 0.917, 0.750 and 0.957, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Fibroscan can be used as a non-invasive technique to assess liver fibrosis in children with BA. The cut-off value of LSM (15.15 kPa) can distinguish cirrhotic patients from non-cirrhotic patients.

Validation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio for diagnosis of liver fibrosis and prediction of postoperative prognosis in infants with biliary atresia

AIM: To validate the value of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) in assessment of liver fibrosis and prediction of postoperative prognosis of biliary atresia (BA) infants from Mainland China.

METHODS: Medical records of 153 BA infants who were hospitalized from January 2010 to June 2013 were reviewed. The efficacy of APRI for diagnosis of liver fibrosis was assessed using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve compared to the pathological Metavir fibrosis score of the liver wedge specimens of 91 BA infants. The prognostic value of preoperative APRI for jaundice persistence, liver injury, and occurrence of cholangitis within 6 mo after KP was studied based on the follow-up data of 48 BA infants.

RESULTS: APRI was significantly correlated with Metavir scores (r_s = 0.433; P < 0.05). The mean APRI value was 0.76 in no/mild fibrosis group (Metavir score F0-F1), 1.29 in significant fibrosis group (F2-F3), and 2.51 in cirrhosis group (F4) (P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of APRI for diagnosing significant fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.75 (P < 0.001) and 0.81 (P = 0.001), respectively. The APRI cut-off of 0.95 was 60.6% sensitive and 76.0% specific for significant fibrosis diagnosis, and a threshold of 1.66 was 70.6% sensitive and 82.7% specific for cirrhosis. The preoperative APRI in infants who maintained jaundice around 6 mo after KP was higher than that in those who did not (1.86 ± 2.13 vs 0.87 ± 0.48, P < 0.05). The AUC of APRI for prediction of postoperative jaundice occurrence was 0.67. A cut-off value of 0.60 showed a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 83.3% for the prediction of jaundice persistence. Preoperative APRI had no significant association with later liver injury or occurrence of cholangitis.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that APRI could diagnose significant liver fibrosis, especially cirrhosis in BA infants, and the elevated preoperative APRI predicts jaundice persistence after KP.

Liver stiffness-based model for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: comparison with histological fibrosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver stiffness (LS) value using transient elastography is a reliable, non-invasive tool for assessing liver fibrosis. LS-based prediction model, LSPS (=LS value × spleen diameter/platelet count) is well correlated with the risk of developing portal hypertension-related cirrhotic complications. Here, we assessed the prognostic performance of LSPS in predicting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2010, we recruited 227 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy and LS measurement. The major end point was HCC development.

RESULTS

Median age was 45 years and 156 (68.7%) patients were male. During the follow-up period (median, 61 months), HCC developed in 18 patients. Patient with HCC had a higher LS value, a longer spleen, and lower platelet counts (all P < 0.05) than those without HCC. On multivariate analysis, LSPS was identified as an independent predictor of HCC development [hazard ratio (HR) 1.541, P < 0.001] after adjusting for age, serum albumin level and histological fibrosis stage. When patients were stratified into three groups (LSPS <1.1, 1.1-2.5 and >2.5), the 5-year cumulative risk of HCC increased significantly in association with a higher LSPS value (4.0, 13.8, 36.2%, respectively, P < 0.001). Patients with LSPS 1.1-2.5 (HR 2.0, P = 0.032) and LSPS > 2.5 (HR 8.7, P = 0.002) had a higher risk of developing HCC than those with LSPS < 1.1.

CONCLUSIONS

LS value-spleen diameter to platelet ratio score is useful for assessing the risk of HCC development and careful surveillance strategies are required in an individual manner.

Spleen stiffness measurement by transient elastography to diagnose portal hypertension in children

BACKGROUND

The development of esophageal varices is a late complication of chronic liver disease (LD) in children. The diagnosis is presently limited to invasive procedures such as endoscopy. Noninvasive tools to diagnose the presence and degree of esophageal varices would alter management decisions and support indications for invasive procedures in affected children. The aim of the study was to test the feasibility of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by transient elastography (TE; FibroScan) in children and compare data on its diagnostic use with established markers of liver fibrosis and parameters of portal hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 99 children (62 with chronic LD, 6 after liver transplantation, 31 controls) underwent SSM by TE. Fibrotest was determined in 37 children, 45 children had an additional liver stiffness measurement, and 19 underwent upper endoscopy.

RESULTS

SSM by FibroScan is feasible. Spleen size significantly determined success rate (90.5% in patients with splenomegaly vs 70.2% in patients without, P = 0.02). Spleen stiffness was significantly higher in patients with splenomegaly (62.96 vs 18.4 kPa, P < 0.001), in patients with varices (75 vs 24 kPa, P < 0.01), and in patients with a history of variceal hemorrhage (75 vs 50.25 kPa, P < 0.05). Variceal hemorrhage did not occur in patients with SSM results <60 kPa. Spleen stiffness decreased after liver transplantation, but remained elevated compared with controls (27.5 vs 16.3 kPa). Liver stiffness measurements and Fibrotest did not reflect the presence or degree of esophageal varices.

CONCLUSIONS

SSM by TE is feasible in children and the results reflect the degree and occurrence of complications. A prospective follow-up study with larger patient numbers and performance of screening endoscopies appears justified and desirable.

Noninvasive methods for prediction of esophageal varices in pediatric patients with portal hypertension

AIM: To evaluate clinical and laboratory parameters for prediction of bleeding from esophageal varices (EV) in children with portal hypertension.

METHODS: Retrospective study of 103 children (mean age: 10.1 ± 7.7 years), 95.1% with intrahepatic portal hypertension. All patients had no history of bleeding and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for EV screening. We recorded variceal size (F1, F2 and F3), red-color signs and portal gastropathy, according to the Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension classification. Patients were classified into two groups: with and without EV. Seven noninvasive markers were evaluated as potential predictors of EV: (1) platelet count; (2) spleen size z score, expressed as a standard deviation score relative to normal values for age; (3) platelet count to spleen size z score ratio; (4) platelets count to spleen size (cm) ratio; (5) the clinical prediction rule (CPR); (6) the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI); and (7) the risk score.

RESULTS: Seventy-one children had EV on first endoscopy. On univariate analysis, spleen size, platelets, CPR, risk score, APRI, and platelet count to spleen size z score ratio showed significant associations. The best noninvasive predictors of EV were platelet count [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) 0.82; 95%CI: 0.73-0.91], platelet: spleen size z score (AUROC 0.78; 95%CI: 0.67-0.88), CPR (AUROC 0.77; 95%CI: 0.64-0.89), and risk score (AUROC 0.77; 95%CI: 0.66-0.88). A logistic regression model was applied with EV as the dependent variable and corrected by albumin, bilirubin and spleen size z score. Children with a CPR < 114 were 20.7-fold more likely to have EV compared to children with CPR > 114. A risk score > -1.2 increased the likelihood of EV (odds ratio 7.47; 95%CI: 2.06-26.99).

CONCLUSION: Children with portal hypertension with a CPR below 114 and a risk score greater than -1.2 are more likely to have present EV. Therefore, these two tests can be helpful in selecting children for endoscopy.

Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet ratio index (APRi) in infants with biliary atresia: prognostic value at presentation

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive obliterative cholangiopathy leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi) has been used in other liver diseases and in older children with BA as a surrogate marker of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to calculate APRi at time of presentation and relate this to operative findings and early outcome.

METHODS

Prospective single surgeon cohort study of infants with BA (January 1999-December 2010). Initial APRi values were related to other biochemical indices and liver appearance at the time of Kasai portoenterostomy. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range). Non-parametric comparison was performed and a P-value of≤0.05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS

Overall 260 infants were included in the study. Median APRi was 0.67 (0.43-1.12) at a median age of surgery of 58 (range 14-209) days. APRi correlated with age (rs=0.44; P<0.0001), spleen size (rs=0.48; P<0.0001) and bilirubin (rs=0.45; P<0.0001). Liver assessment at operation was divided into cirrhosis [n=28 (10.8%)] or non-cirrhosis. Using a cut-off value of 1.22 [AUC 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.90)] showed a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 84% for macroscopic cirrhosis. Native liver survival was significantly different but improved only for those in the lowest APRi quartile (<0.43; P<0.009). APRi values at presentation had no significant association with later development of significant oesophageal varices.

CONCLUSION

APRi at the time of KP is a useful adjunct in evaluating severity of liver disease in BA at presentation.