Liver biopsy in modern clinical practice: A pediatric point-of-view

Nadia Ovchinsky, Roger K. Moreira, Jay H. Lefkowitch, Joel E. Lavine

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

Liver biopsy remains the foundation of evaluation and management of liver disease in children, although the role of the liver biopsy is changing with development of alternative methods of diagnosis and advancement of hepatic imaging techniques. The indications for liver biopsy are evolving as current knowledge of etiologies, noninvasive biomarker alternatives, and treatment options in pediatric liver disease are expanding. The procedure can often be complicated in children by technical difficulties, cost, and smaller specimen size. Communication and partnership of clinicians with pathologists experienced in pediatric liver diseases are essential. DNA sequencing, novel imaging modalities, noninvasive biomarkers of fibrosis and apoptosis, proteomics, and genome-wide association studies offer potential alternative methods for evaluation of liver disease in children. This review presents specific indications, considerations, methods, complications, contraindications, and alternatives for pediatric liver biopsy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)250-262
Number of pages13
JournalAdvances in Anatomic Pathology
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adolescent
  • children
  • complications
  • contraindications
  • indications
  • liver biopsy
  • pathology
  • pediatric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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