Normative Data of Hepato-Splenic Sizes in Pakistani Pediatric Population Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

Background: Hepatosplenic sizes of children vary with age .There are many diseases which affect the sizes of the liver and spleen ranging from acute liver disease to other hepatosplenic disorders . Ultrasound is a quick and reliable method .Unfortunately there is lack of sufficient data in our population therefore my study would be beneficial in determining various disease processes. Objective: To establish normative data of Hepato-Splenic sizes in Pakistani pediatric population using ultrasonography. Methods: The study was conducted at the Ziauddin University Hospital, a tertiary care teaching facility in Karachi. The cross sectional prospective hospital based study was conducted with 150 patients aged 1 month to 14 years. Ultrasonographic evaluation for the assessment of liver, spleen and portal vein size was performed. These were correlated with the age, sex, height/length and weight of the children. Results: Normal liver and spleen length and its ranges with portal vein diameter were obtained. The liver, spleen length and portal vein significantly correlated highly with the height/length (r=0.7,0.7,0.6 )respectively and weight of the subjects (r=0.7,0.7,0.4 respectively). Conclusion: The study provides the normal values of liver and spleen size by ultrasonography in healthy Pakistani pediatric population. Key Words: Hepatosplenic Size, Ultrasound, Liver Transplant, Chronic Liver Disease.