Safety of percutaneous liver biopsy in infants less than three months old.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety, outcomes, and complications of percutaneous liver biopsies (PLB) in infants aged 0 to 3 months.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all infants less than 3 months old who underwent PLB at Children's Memorial Hospital between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2004 for complications surrounding the procedure and risk factors that might lead to complications.


RESULTS
Sixty-six PLBs were performed in 63 infants. Most patients tolerated the procedure without complications. Twelve complications were recorded, for an overall complication rate of 18%. Of these, five were directly related to the procedure, and seven were sedation related. Three patients experienced a drop in hemoglobin greater than 2 gm/dL, one patient developed a bile leak, and one developed a skin hematoma. Seven patients had respiratory difficulty related to sedation, which manifested as increased work of breathing or decreased respiratory rate with depression in pulse oximetry.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that PLB in young infants is associated with a somewhat higher risk of complications than in older children, particularly complications related to sedation.
Azzam
R K
RK
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA.
Alonso
E M
EM
Emerick
K M
KM
Whitington
P F
PF
D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000293:injuries; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety
D006454:Hemoglobins; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008614:Meperidine; D008874:Midazolam