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Transjugular liver biopsy is a safe and effective intervention to guide management for patients with a congenital bleeding disorder infected with hepatitis C
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Funding: None
Potential conflicts of interest: None
Correspondence to: Alison M. Street, The Alfred, Commercial Road, Prahran, Melbourne, Vic. 3181, Australia. Email: a.street@alfred.org.au
Abstract
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adult patients with a congenital bleeding disorder (CBD) approaches 95% and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Histological examination of the liver remains the cornerstone of management decisions in patients without a CBD. The reluctance to perform liver biopsies in patients with a CBD has been a major limitation in the management of these patients. We are currently the only haemophilia centre in Australasia performing liver biopsies in patients with a CBD for the purpose of guiding prognostic and therapeutic decisions. We report here the results of our centre's experience with transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in patients with a CBD. An adequate specimen for histological assessment was attained from all of the patients. There were no major complications recorded. Patients were hospitalized for ≤ 48 h for haemostasis prophylaxis. The diagnostic specimen obtained from patients was integral in guiding their future management. We suggest that with a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, TJLB can be performed in patients with a CBD. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 556–559)