Neonatal cholestasis: a five-year experience in a tertiary hospital

• Published in: Acta pediátrica española Vol. 67; no. 4; p. 165
• Main Authors: Pérez Fernández, F M, Fernández Ramos, J, Jiménez, J, García Menor, E, Rodríguez Reinoso, M F, Sánchez Ruiz, F, Zapatero Martínez, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madrid Ediciones Mayo 01.04.2009
• Subjects: Gallbladder diseases; Hepatitis; Medical diagnosis; Newborn babies; Pediatrics
• ISSN: 0001-6640

A descriptive study was conducted to determine the disease course in patients with a history of neonatal cholestasis with regard to a number of conditions, and to compare it with that observed in children at other centers. The children enrolled had been diagnosed in the Department of Pediatrics of Reina Sofa University Hospital. Data were drawn from pre-coded cards, completed when the patients were seen for the first time, and from their clinical records. Appointments were arranged for the children in which their clinical case and the results of physical examination and lab testing were recorded in coded cards. Data were analyzed using the SSPS software package. Neonatal cholestasis was diagnosed in 91 children from 2002 to 2007. The etiologies, clinical course and laboratory testing are discussed and described. The disease course was similar to that described in other series, except in transplanted children, who had a poorer course, and in the cases of neonatal hepatitis, all of which had a favorable course, probably because several of these patients had transient neonatal hepatitis. Referral to tertiary care was typically late and should be especially addressed in continuing medical education activities. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]