Retrospective assessment of hepatic involvement in patients with inherited metabolism disorders: nine-year single-center experience


Bayramova S., Yekedüz M. K., KÖSE E., EMİNOĞLU F. T.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0511
  • Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: acute hepatic insufficiency, cirrhosis, hepatomegaly, inherited metabolic disorders
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to identify clinical, laboratory, and radiological features that could serve as red flags for diagnosing inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) with hepatic involvement in childhood. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,237 children from a pediatric metabolism department, with suspected or diagnosed IMDs. Patients with hepatic involvement were divided into two groups: Group 1 (diagnosed with IMDs) and Group 2 (undiagnosed). Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were compared between the groups. Hepatic involvement was observed in 415 patients (33.5 » %), with 206 (49.2%) diagnosed with IMDs. Group 1 had higher rates of consanguineous marriage and affected siblings. Complex molecule disorders (20.4%), mitochondrial (16.0%), and lipid metabolism disorders (16.0%) were the most common IMDs. Dysmorphic findings were more frequent in Group 1 (28.2 vs. 16.3%, p=0.004), while diarrhea was less common (4.4 vs. 12.0%, p=0.005). Ammonia and lactate levels were higher in Group 1 (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). Hepatomegaly was more frequent in Group 1 (53.3 vs. 22.6%, p<0.001). Pathological abdominal ultrasonography was the only significant multivariate predictor (OR: 89.377, p=0.026). Overall survival was 87.7%, with no difference between groups. Consanguineous marriage, affected siblings, dysmorphic findings, absence of diarrhea, and pathological abdominal USG are key predictors of IMDs in hepatic involvement cases.