Morbimortalidade associada ao sangramento de varizes de esôfago em crianças e adolescentes com hipertensão porta

Abstract

Esophageal variceal bleeding is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease and is related to secondary complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, among others. In children, mortality and morbidity associated with the hemorrhagic event were considered lower than in adults. However, new studies have shown the relevance of complication rates in cirrhotic children. The aim of this study was to review the literature and bring the most recent evidence on the main complications secondary to upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children and adolescents with cirrhotic and non cirrhotic portal hypertension and to assess the associated mortality rate. The main complications observed after an episode of acute variceal bleeding are ascites, infectious and respiratory complications, and admission to the Intensive Care Unit. General complications and life-threatening events range from 19.1 to 57% of episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Mortality rates in children and adolescents, although lower than in adults, are not negligible