Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Measurements in Children: Correlation With Hepatic Histology and Clinical Indicators of Portal Hypertension

Objectives: In adults, elevated hepatic venous pressure gradients (HVPGs) are correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis on histopathology and predict worse outcomes including variceal bleeding and death. We aimed to examine the association between HVPG measurements, histopathologic findings, and clinical indicators of portal hypertension in children. Methods: Utilizing retrospective data from 2 pediatric centers between 2006 and 2015, we identified children who underwent simultaneous HVPG measurement and transjugular liver biopsy. Medical charts were reviewed for histopathology, imaging, endoscopic, and clinical data. Results: Forty-one children (median age 11 years) were included in the analysis with diagnoses of acute hepatitis (n = 15), chronic liver disease (n = 12), hepatic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (n = 4), acute liver failure (n = 3), and nonhepatic causes of portal hypertension (n = 7). Elevated mean HVPG measurements were found in children with acute liver failure (10 mmHg, range 4-12) and chronic liver disease (7 mmHg, range 1-12). HVPG measurements did not correlate with the histological severity of fibrosis (r = 0.23, P = 0.14) or portal inflammation (r = 0.24, P = 0.29), and no difference was found in HVPG when comparing children with and without a history of variceal bleeding (P = 0.43). Conclusions: HVPG measurements do not correlate significantly with the degree of hepatic fibrosis on biopsy. Furthermore, HVPG measurements are not associated with the presence of varices or history of variceal bleeding, suggesting the possibility of intrahepatic shunting in children with advanced liver disease. Therefore, unlike in adults, HVPG measurements may not accurately predict children who are at risk of complications from portal hypertension.