Publication:

Study of aetiological profile, clinical presentation and outcome of hepatosplenomegaly in children between 1 month and 14 years of age

Background Hepatosplenomegaly is the simultaneous enlargement of liver and spleen. Hepatosplenomegaly is a sign seen in various disease processes in infants and children. So, an attempt was made in the present study to know the various etiological factors and clinical features and clinical outcome of hepatosplenomegaly in the cases admitted in SVPPGIP and SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

Methods A tertiary care hospital based prospective study was carried out in 150 children between1 month to 14 year of age for a period of 2 years.

Results The most common presenting features was anemia (79.3%) followed by fever (78%) and jaundice (38.7%). Infectious (50%) causes are commonest aetiology of hepatosplenomegaly followed by haematological (36%) and congestive (6%) causes. Infectious etiology was commonly constituted by malaria (25.2%) due to high prevalence of malaria in rural Odisha. Mortality is significant in infectious and congestive aetiologies among younger age groups whereas haematological causes have favorable outcome.

Conclusions A detailed history and thorough physical examination should be carried out in every case of hepatosplenomegaly to reach a diagnosis and determine further management plans. Since clinical outcome of children with infectious and congestive aetiologies are overwhelmingly poor, it can be improved by intervention at earliest time possible and aggressive treatment.