Serous hepatosis: a pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis in Jamaican children

ABSTRACT

A liver disease occurring in Jamaican children has been described; because of its clinico-pathological aspects it has been named "serous hepatosis." To date the only aetiological factor which has been ascertained is a low dietary protein intake. It is suggested that toxic factors may also play a part. Clinically, the condition occurs in children, usually between the ages of 1 to 3 years, who have an enlarged firm liver and ascites; ultimately the appearance may be one of classical hepatic cirrhosis. Histologically, the disease is a progressive one, passing from an initial exudation or oedema to the deposition of an eosinophilic coagulum which is finally invaded by fibroblasts. The condition is similar to that described by Roessle (1930) as "serous hepatitis." A theory of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been postulated.(AU)