B. A. Stana 1, Laura Bozomotu 1, Evelina Moraru 1
1 Department of Pediatrics, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
Abstract
Evolution of liver cirrhosis in children is accompanied by occurrence of complications of portal hypertension. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is not yet fully characterized and evaluation methods are still being perfected. Aim: To evaluate incidence and classify HE in a cohort of cirrhotic children. Materials and methods: The retrospective study was done upon 42 children diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Assessment of HE was made by clinical elements and using a battery of psychometric tests. Results: HE was found in 67% of children with cirrhosis, 48% exhibiting minimal HE detected only by rigorous psychometric testing. No difference in HE score was observed in patients undergoing surgery, before and after the procedure. Conclusion: HE should be rigorously evaluated in children with liver cirrhosis, due to its important incidence and implications in the future of those children.