Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension in the Pediatric Population

Clin Liver Dis. 2018 Nov;22(4):735-752. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2018.06.007. Epub 2018 Aug 22.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Ascites; Biliary atresia; Children; Cirrhosis; Esophageal varices; Portal hypertension.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / etiology
  • Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / etiology
  • Hepatorenal Syndrome / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / complications*
  • Hypertension, Portal / drug therapy
  • Hypertension, Portal / surgery
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic
  • Primary Prevention
  • Secondary Prevention