Abstract
We compared mental function and growth in 11 children with onset of liver disease in the first year of life (range:1-12 months) with 16 patients with late onset (18 months-11 years). Age (x±SD) at testing was: E:8±3; L:11±4 years. Wechsler Scales of Intelligence provided Verbal (VIQ), Performance (PIQ) and Full Scale (FSIQ) IQs. Percent of median (NCHS standards) for weight (W) and height (H) for age (W/A, H/A) and W for H (W/H) were also obtained. E and L groups were similar in severity of liver disease as measured by serum bilirubin (range, E:1-37; L:1-46 mg/dl), albumin (E:2-4; L:2-4 gm/dl), GT (E:30-258; L:54-512 IU) and vitamin E (Mean±SD, E:7±8; L:8±10 μg/ml). Duration of disease (x±SD) was: E 8.0±2.7, L 4.4±3.5 years.
RESULTS (x±SD):
Mental function and growth were significantly delayed in the E group; height deficits suggested stunted growth from severe early malnutrition. We conclude that liver disease during early brain growth has pernicious effects on ultimate intellectual function and linear growth; duration of disease prior to ESLD may also play a role. We speculate that aggressive nutritional support must begin at diagnosis in early onset liver disease to prevent delayed growth and development.
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Stewart, S., Uauy, R., Belknap, W. et al. MENTAL FUNCTION AND GROWTH IN CHILDREN WITH EARLY (E) VS. LATE (L) ONSET END-STAGE LIVER DISEASE (ESLD). Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 278 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00667
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00667