title: Points to be considered when applying FibroScan S probe in children with biliary atresia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With the introduction of smaller probes (S1, S2), the use of transient elastography has been expanded to children. Accordingly, we aimed to address points of consideration in probe choice and interpretation of measured liver stiffness by applying and comparing FibroScan S and M probes in biliary atresia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using S1, S2, and M probes, 3 liver stiffness measurements, success rates, and interquartile ranges were obtained from 100 patients. Patients were assigned to 2 groups according to thoracic perimeter (≤ 45 cm vs > 45 cm). In both groups, obtained values were compared and the relation between liver stiffness measurement and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index was analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the small-thorax group, the success rate was highest with the S1 probe and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was highest for S1 versus S2 (0.98), compared with that for S1 versus M (0.69) and S2 versus M (0.77). In the large-thorax group, ICC was the highest for S2 versus M (0.88), compared with that for S1 versus S2 (0.69) and S1 versus M (0.51). In the small-thorax group, correlations between aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and liver stiffness measurement were stronger for S1 (0.65) and S2 (0.64) than for M (0.49). In the large-thorax group, all probes showed good correlation, S1 (0.68), S2 (0.62), and M (0.62).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We recommend that the S1 probe is more appropriate for use in small children, especially those with a thorax perimeter of < 45 cm. If no S probe is available, the M probe may be acceptable in children whose thorax perimeter is > 45 cm.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Pediatrics †Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science ‡Department of Pediatric Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Pediatric Liver Disease Research Group, Severance Children's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seung
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Yunkoo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Mi Jung
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Myung Joon
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seok Joo
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001656:Biliary Atresia / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology*; D001792:Blood Platelets; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054459:Elasticity Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D013909:Thorax
chemical_list: D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases