Abstract
So-called “outpatient” percutaneous liver biopsy is advocated for low risk adults. We assessed feasibility of pediatric liver biopsy in a short-stay program designed to reduce patient anxiety about hospitalization and minimize hospitalization costs.
27 of 86 pediatric liver biopsies were performed without overnight hospitalization. Criteria for “one-day” liver biopsy were (a) no other acute or chronic need for admission, (b) pro time<3 sec over control, platelets>105, (c) no anticipated bleeding problem. Outpatients NOT considered for “one-day” biopsy were on hemodialysis (6) required platelets, plasma or DDAVP pre-biopsy (4) or lived more than one hour from the hospital.
Sedation, usually IM DPT, was the same as for regularly hospitalized patients. Vital signs were closely monitored for six hours after the procedure, then patients went home with a parent to maintain bed rest for 24 hours.
Results: 9/27 liver biopsies were performed in conjunction with other procedures, usually endoscopy and mucosal biopsies. No complications occurred in this group. One infant, after receiving an excessive dose of demerol, was monitored for 12 hours before discharge. One patient remained overnight at parent request
Conclusions: In suitably selected pediatric patients, percutaneous liver biopsy can be accomplished without overnight hospitalization. There were no unrecognized complications requiring readmission. The hospital cost was halved and family lifestyle minimally disturbed.
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Collins, J., Chambers, H. & Greifer, I. 632 LIVER BIOPSY IS SAFELY PERFORMED IN AN AMBULATORY DAY HOSPITAL SETTING. Pediatr Res 19, 216 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00662
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00662