Study on Short Term Outcome of intrahepatic Infantile Cholestasis

Background: Outcome of infantile intrahepatic cholestasis is highly variable.Aim to investigate various factors affecting outcome of infantile cholestasis. Methods:Retrospective study was conducted through data collection of 70 infant's files who presented with intrahepatic cholestasis.They were divided into two groups according to the fate of jaundice at the end of the first year follow up.Group I: cases with persistent jaundice and group II: cases that were jaundice free by the end of the year.A comparison was done at presentation, 3 and 12 months between the two groups.Results: Group I had a higher mortality and morbidity.Both groups were significantly different regards etiology, onset of jaundice, presentation to medical care, prevalence of consanguinity and pruritus.After 3 month, group I showed significant bigger and firm liver, higher ALT, AST, S.bilirubin.At 1 year, differences in weight, splenic size and S.albumin were found. Conclusion:The predictive parameters of a high risk group of intrahepatic cholestasis at presentation included etiology, age of onset, positive consanguinity and itching, where at 3rd month of follow-up included big firm liver, persistently pale stool, high ALT and AST and at one year included splenomegaly and lower albumin.