ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) with congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) causes portal hypertension and its complications. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) could serve as a symptomatic treatment for portal hypertension-related symptoms in these children. AIMS: To study the effect of TIPSS on portal hypertension, liver and kidney function and the long term complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on 5 children with CHF treated with a TIPSS to manage severe portal hypertension related symptoms. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 7 years and 2 months. At the end of follow-up there was a reduction of spleen size (pâ¯=â¯0.715) and hypersplenism with a rise in platelet count (pâ¯=â¯0.465). Esophageal varices and ascites disappeared in all patients. Liver and kidney function remained stable. In two patients endotipsitis was suspected and two patients developed an in-stent stenosis. There was no sign of encephalopathy in our patients. CONCLUSION: TIPSS using ePTFE-covered stent is a feasible and effective alternative for surgical portosystemic shunting in children with CHF, also on the long term. It can postpone the need of a liver transplantation but close monitoring remains important for early diagnosis of endotipsitis or stent dysfunction related to stenosis.
